Southampton University II 1 Petersfield 4: PETERSFIELD travelled away to Southampton University with a depleted team due to illness and injury.

The visitors took the lead when Atkinson beat the last defender with a quick change of hands before sending the ball into the goal.

Petersfield doubled their advantage when Hughes-Stanton intercepted a loose pass and attacked with pace before pushing the ball into the bottom corner.

The visitors then took further control of the game, retaining possession and forging a number of attacks.

Late on in the first half Atkinson made it 3-0 to Petersfield when he scored with a deflected strike after a quick corner routine involving Alder and Grinstead.

Petersfield started the second half positively and broke down the left-hand side with Alder, Hind and Atkinson. Atkinson’s shot was saved, but Hind was there to sweep the rebound into the roof of the next.

With a 4-0 lead, Petersfield began to save their fitness levels and increased their defensive play.

This allowed the hosts to build an increased number of attacks, yet the defensive walls built by Petersfield were almost unbreakable.

The home side did pull a goal back late on though after being awarded a penalty corner.

Petersfield move up to third place in the league standings after this win, with only four games left.

Petersfield host eighth-placed Poole in their next fixture at Bedales at 1.15pm on Saturday.