PETERSFIELD Town’s returning goalkeeper Matt Shortt is looking forward to seeing plenty of familiar faces at Love Lane tonight (Tuesday).

The Rams legend, part of the Wessex Division 1 and Premier Division title winning sides, returned to the club over the weekend.

He is expected to go straight into the squad for tonight’s home Premier Division match against Alresford Town.

Although there have been plenty of changes around the club since Shortt last played for the Rams in 2015, he knows he will still be among old friends at Love Lane.

On returning to Petersfield, he particularly picked out the club’s loyal band of supporters for praise and said he was looking forward to playing in front of them again.

He added: “There has been a big turn around up at Petersfield since my last spell at the club but I’m sure it’s the same friendly club it has always been.

“I am sure there are still some of the same old faces around the ground too – I’m looking forward to seeing the likes of Paul Greenaway and his posse again, and all of the other regulars who give the club great support.”

Chairman Graeme Moir praised Shortt for his decision to return to the Rams – which has given everyone in the Petersfield camp a timely boost.

Moir said: “It will be great to see Matt back in a Petersfield shirt again. His willingness to come back and help out his old club deserves our thanks and praise.

“The news of his return has lifted everyone’s spirits around the club and I think everyone is pleased to hear a bit of good news after what has been a difficult start to the season.

“The performances at Newport IOW last Tuesday night and Brockenhurst on Saturday were much improved and are getting us closer to where we need to be to be able to pick up the regular draws and wins we need to start moving up the league table.

“There is still a lot of work to do to get us to where we need to be but our performances in the last two matches, coupled with the return of Matt Shortt, gives us a platform to build from going into tonight’s local derby game against Alresford.”

Petersfield Town are at home to Alresford Town in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division at Love Lane, Petersfield, tonight (Tuesday, August 29) – kick-off 7.45pm.