Petersfield 2 Basingstoke II 3: PETERSFIELD faced a tough challenge as they hosted league leaders Basingstoke on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts were hoping to extend their unbeaten run and keep promotion hopes alive with a victory.

Petersfield took the lead when a switch of play across the midfield and movement from the forwards saw Edwards burst down the right wing and into the circle before he slapped the ball across the face of goal and Harris calmly placed a sweep into the bottom corner.

Basingstoke responded and increased their intensity, but the hosts held firm until half time.

Petersfield’s defence came under increased pressure in the second half and Marlow pulled out a goal line save while Smith made an impressive diving stick save and saved a penalty flick.

Basingstoke continued their attacks and soon found themselves 2-1 up in quick succession after hitting a shot into the net from close range and jumping on a loose ball from three yards.

The home side were quick to respond and Hind scored from close range to make it 2-2 after Grinstead’s initial strike at goal was saved by the Basingstoke keeper.

Petersfield defenders Harding and W Atkinson were sent on a walk to the sin bin area while Basingstoke followed in the same fashion.

The visitors took the lead late on after a long aerial ball created a counter attack. Basingstoke’s striker went into the circle after beating the last man and struck the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-2 to the visitors.