PETERSFIELD Town manager Mark Summerhill was proud of his side’s performance after they lost 2-1 at Hamble Club in the third round of the Sydenhams League Cup.

The Rams faced a Hamble Club side who are flying high in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division, and Summerhill was delighted with how his side acquitted themselves against their higher-ranked opponents last Tuesday night.

He said: “After two flat league draws we had fresh legs and I asked for energy and a high-tempo performance.

“We were at our best and were deservedly 0-0 at half time. We then, deservedly, went 1-0 up. We had a stonewall penalty not given, and they then went up the other end and scored.

“It was nip and tuck, and they won it with a weak, deflected shot in the bottom corner. We pushed for an equaliser, and Josh Chipps on debut missed a chance in the six-yard box. We played at a high tempo with high energy, and it was our best performance for a long time.

“It was a great performance. Everyone was really pleased with how we did, and it’s a great confidence boost for us.”

New arrival Lewis Tosdevine made his debut for the Rams at Hamble, and Summerhill was happy with his performance.

“Lewis made his debut and was absolutely outstanding, said Summerhill. “He really impressed and has settled in well. He will be a great asset and is a great addition for us.”

The Rams were missing six key players at Hamble, but Summerhill was pleased with how others stepped up.

“We really freshened it up,” he said. “We were missing Matt Petts, Ollie Kershaw, Jake Bourton, Michael Wright, Matt Low and Harry Tremlett.

“We still took a strong squad, with Sean Burton at left back and Lewis at right back.

“We had Kris Stevens and Jordan Geddes at centre half, and Ryan Kennedy and Cam Smith in centre midfield, which gave us a strong core.

“We brought Gari Judd in, and Marvin Orepo played up front. When Gari was in the team last season we could play balls in behind, and it worked really well. Gari did his role. Everything went through him, and Marvin got in time and time again. We played so well.

“All six who missed out at Hamble are now fit and available. We’ve got quality in the reserves now and we can bring people in on a Tuesday night.

“I’ve now got a real nice headache to have.”