A WATERLOGGED pitch meant Petersfield Town’s home match against Fawley AFC in Division One of the Sydenhams Wessex League on Saturday was postponed, but Rams boss Mark Summerhill ensured his players made the most of the spare time.
Summerhill had his players in as usual on Saturday and ran an extra training session.
And the manager hopes his side will see the benefits.
“With the terrible weather last week I wasn’t surprised the Fawley game was called off,” said Summerhill.
“We trained on the outside pitches on Saturday.
“The main pitch itself was the wettest I’ve seen it, but we had a good training session.
“We had 17 out of the 21 first-team squad players at training, and the coaches were also in.
“We did a lot of good work.
“For evening sessions you are limited as to what you can do, but on a Saturday there is no limit on time and space.
“We worked through a few bits and pieces.”
Some running repairs were also required at Love Lane on Saturday, after one of the floodlights was damaged by Storm Brendan last week.
“A load of helpers and club volunteers came down and fixed the floodlight,” said the Petersfield manager.
Next up for the Rams is a trip to the island to face a lowly East Cowes Victoria side. And Summerhill is expecting a tough test for his side.
“East Cowes might not be in the best of form but they always difficult to play there,” said the Rams boss. “The island trips are always difficult. It is hostile on the island. It will be a test of character.
“We’ve already beaten Newport and Cowes Sports on the island this season, so hopefully we can get another result.
“We’ll be going there looking to win the game. It’s a tough place to go – players can go in their shell there.
“Team selection may be different. We might have to pick a stronger, more physical team and set up differently to prepare for a battle.
“If we go there naively and try to play lovely football they will hit us early and let us know we’re in a game.”
The games are coming thick and fast for the Rams, and they will travel to high-flying United Services Portsmouth on Monday night (7.45pm).
Summerhill added: “They’re a top team, but if we can beat East Cowes that will set us up nicely. Now would be a good time to go on a run so we enter the last month of the season with a chance of the top four.”