Petersfield Town 1 United Services Portsmouth 3: THE RAMS produced a frustrating second-half performance which led to a defeat against high-flying United Services Portsmouth in Division One of the Sydenhams Wessex League on Saturday.

The visitors started the game on the front foot and showing just why they are perched at the top of the table.

A fizzing cross was punched away by Rams keeper Matt Petts, and the follow-up effort was blocked again by Petts.

Petersfield then worked the ball upfield and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. Matt Low tapped the ball through and appeared to be bundled over, but referee Tom Copping thought otherwise and waved play on.

Sean Burton was forced off midway through the half with a hamstring injury, although his replacement Will Webb made a positive impact going forward.

The Rams took the lead 35 minutes in after a dangerous run along the area by Marvin Orepo, who chipped a perfectly-placed ball to the back post and Low slid in to score.

The second half saw Petersfield become frustrated as United Services gradually stepped up their play and took control of the game.

The visitors’ equaliser came early in the second half. Tom Jeffes rose highest after a free kick and nodded the ball into the ground. Petts would feel he could have done better by his standards as the ball bounced into the goal.

The visitors took the lead on 65 minutes after Dec Seiden and James Franklyn played a nice one-two into the area. Liam Kyle flew forward and sent the ball across the goal into the far corner.

Things went from bad to worse for Petersfield soon afterwards when Ryan Kennedy was sent off for a challenge on former Ram Harry Bedford. Kennedy looked to have got the ball, but his studs were showing and he was shown a red card.

United Services Portsmouth wrapped up the points with a late penalty after Seiden was brought down by Kris Stevens.

Seiden stepped up and slotted the ball past Petts, despite the keeper getting a touch to the penalty.

The visitors almost rubbed extra salt into the Rams’ wounds with a fourth goal, but Olly Kershaw performed heroics when he jumped high to nod a header off the line.