Petersfield under-12 Boys 2 Fleet and Ewshot under-12 Boys 3: AN IMPRESSIVE performance from keeper Nichols was not quite enough to prevent a defeat for Petersfield.

The visitors could have been put of sight were it not for a string of good saves in the first two periods of the match. Nichols’ fast feet ensured an exciting final period when Petersfield gained the upper hand and were the team applying all the pressure.

The first period started quickly with the ball flying around. The powerful Fleet centre-half repeatedly crunched big hits through the centre of the Field defence, with only Nichols and Gray repelling these attacks. The pressure finally told with Fleet taking a 1-0 lead with yet another ball through the centre.

The second period saw Field launch a few more of their own attacks with Price particularly effective on the right of midfield. Nichols continued to excel but was unable to keep out another Fleet shot with his defenders left bamboozled by a tricky run from the Fleet midfield. The home team soon responded after a good run down the left from Slingsby, with M White getting on the end of a reverse-stick cross with a calm finish. The period finished with Fleet extending their lead to two goals again after another skilful run from the midfield.

Despite a few more saves from Nichols in the final period, it was Field who dominated the closing 20 minutes. Sykes and Rushin tackled far more effectively and Hill was very busy in the centre of midfield, often breaking the defensive line to set his team-mates running at goal. The pressure told with M White claiming his second after a double save from the Fleet keeper. A cool reverse-stick finish just inside the post set up an exciting final ten minutes.

M White nearly claimed his hat-trick after good work from brother E White on the left, but he pulled his shot from the top of the D just wide. The final chance fell to Stanbridge, who drove into the D and bravely threw himself at the keeper’s feet, but the ball crept agonisingly wide of the post.