Petersfield Town 2 Liphook United 1: PETERSFIELD Town were in Russell Cotes Cup action last Tuesday night with the visit of near-neighbours Liphook United in the first round of the competition.

Surprisingly, the clubs have not met for many years, so the tie was eagerly anticipated and drew the biggest crowd seen at Love Lane so far this season.

Against their Hampshire Premier League opponents, the Rams tried to get on the front foot from the start and in the opening ten minutes had more of the play, although clear-cut chances were few and far between.

Liphook increasingly came into the game and shook the home side when they took the lead in the 28th minute through Oli Page.

The Rams responded and forced several corners, but Liphook defended well and were a threat themselves when they got forward.

Petersfield made a confident start to the second half and increasingly got their passing game together.

In the 58th minute they finally broke through when Harry Tremlett fired home against his former club.

Liphook’s hopes were dealt a further blow when former Petersfield player Nick Tayler was given his marching orders following a reckless-looking challenge on Will Essai.

With time running out, it looked like the tie would be decided on penalties but in the 84th minute Matt Rowland put the home side ahead with a well-placed shot past keeper Josh Bird.