Petersfield Town 0 United Services Portsmouth 3: THE RAMS ended 2018 with a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of highly-placed United Services Portsmouth.

Although they played much better than in their previous outing at Alton, a combination of defensive errors and missed chances cost them dear.

After starting brightly the Rams fell behind in the fourth minute when Jacob Orr failed to hold a Michael Dark shot which then trickled over the line.

The Rams responded with a series of attacks, creating several opportunities.

In the 12th minute some nice interplay ended with a Josh Sheehan shot that was deflected for a corner.

United Services breached the Rams defence for a second time on 20 minutes when Lewis Beale broke through to coolly lob Orr.

Undaunted the Rams continued to press forward and in the 33rd minute should have pulled a goal back when Harry Tremlett found Will Essai, who somehow managed to put his shot over the bar from close range.

On the stroke of half time the Rams went close again when a Michael Wright shot hit the bar.

The second half was far less entertaining with play generally scrappy and chances at a premium.

By the final ten minutes or so most of the play was in the Rams half so it was no great surprise when in the 87th minute United Services put the result beyond doubt with a well-struck shot from Frankie Paige.