Gillingham 1 Petersfield 2: PETERSFIELD travelled away to Gillingham, who were relegated last season.

The first half was a midfield battle, although Petersfield created a handful of chances. The visitors forced a good save from the Gillingham keeper, although the home side nearly scored when they struck the post.

Petersfield came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, applying pressure to Gillingham.

The hosts responded well and won a penalty corner, which Petersfield keeper Smith cleared from the goal.

The visitors took the lead with a straight ball to Hughes-Stanton, who created a goal from nothing with a strike into the bottom left corner. Petersfield doubled their lead minutes later, when Hughes-Stanton scored after receiving a pass from the left.

Gillingham were 2-0 down with 15 minutes left to play, and they went on the attack. The home side won a penalty corner, from which they were able to sneak the ball into the net on the rebound after keeper Smith saved the initial strike.

Gillingham immediately called for a change of keeper, a move which saw a kicking back being utilised.

Petersfield defended well and intercepted Gillingham’s attacking play then broke quickly up the pitch towards an open goal, but Terry struck the ball wide while being challenged by a defender on the final whistle.

Petersfield travelled home with a 2-1 victory over Gillingham and are now placed in fourth position in Hampshire Division 1.