Petersfield Town 1 Laverstock and Ford 3: IN SWELTERING conditions Petersfield got their Wessex League Division 1 campaign under way against Laverstock and Ford, who are tipped to be promotion contenders this season.

The Rams began confidently and had the better of the early exchanges but the visitors began to take the upper hand, with left winger Russell James emerging as a real threat.

In the 13th minute James was sent clear into the penalty area and was brought down by keeper Tim Jackson. Adam Bourmer calmly despatched the resultant penalty to give Laverstock the lead.

Petersfield had their chances and in the 30th minute Harry Giles’ goal-bound shot was cleared, the ball was played back in and Giles had another attempt, this time a header which was saved.

The Rams had a golden chance to equalise when a good move culminated in a ball in from the left which fell to Jordan Neal who somehow managed to put his shot over the bar from close range.

The Rams made the perfect start to the second half when Luke Payne’s 48th minute shot found the back of the net.

In the 74th minute Laverstock thought they had re-taken the lead but the goal was disallowed for offside but four minutes later Russell James shot past Jackson.

In the 86th minute Joe Dalton’s shot found the back of the net for the visitors.