PETERSFIELD Town manager Mark Summerhill was proud of his side’s performance after they gave high-flying Andover New Street a scare last Tuesday night.

The Rams led 1-0 at half time before eventually succumbing to a 3-1 defeat in the Sydenhams Wessex League Division One fixture.

“We produced a good, bright performance,” said Summerhill. “We travelled with a smaller than normal squad and only had two fit outfield substitutes.

“Andover were full of pace and strength, and we set up to try and contain them.

“I had a couple of youngsters on the bench. We were really patched up, but Andover were there in numbers.

“We got a goal in the first half and were well worth our 1-0 lead.

“We knew we would have to weather a storm in the second half, and we weathered it for ten to 15 minutes.

“Marvin Orepo had a great chance to put us 2-0 up, and against the run of play Kris Stevens gave the ball away and they scored. Once we conceded it knocked the stuffing out of us.”

Summerhill stood by Stevens after his mistake.

“I was disappointed for Kris, but he is an experienced guy and a great captain,” he said.

“We’re playing against teams who will capitalise on mistakes, but I can only be full of praise for him.

“You don’t always get what you deserve in football, and we didn’t deserve to lose 3-1.

“They’re a good strong side and we put up a valiant effort against them.

“It was a really good performance, and it backed up a really good performance at New Milton in our previous match. I was pleased that we gave a really good account of ourselves.

“The lads were bitterly disappointed after the game, and I tried to pick them up.”

Despite the defeat, Summerhill praised his side for their character they showed.

“Travelling to top sides in our league on Tuesday nights is real test of character,” he said. “We’re putting up great performances, and it’s a credit for how far we’ve come.

“We’ve been to places like Eastleigh and Totton in the cups and competed.

“Andover had three chances and took them, but we only took one chance.”