Southampton University 3 Petersfield 1: PETERSFIELD travelled to Southampton University at the halfway point in the season for a mid-table battle.

Southampton used their home advantage to the full in the opening quarter and took control of the game.

They attacked in waves but the Petersfield defence showed good discipline and positional awareness.

Petersfield created some chances of their own and broke the deadlock when Harris netted a penalty flick after Edwards’ shot on goal had been stopped illegally.

Southampton immediately responded and found a gap in the Petersfield defence to make it 1-1 and level the scores at half time.

The home side begun the second half just like the first and immediately put Petersfield on the back foot and took the lead with a well-executed penalty corner.

Petersfield were then awarded a string of penalty corners but failed to convert them into any goals.

The visitors continued to seek an equalising goal and a handful of chances were inches wide or were denied by the framework.

In the closing minutes Petersfield pressed high up the field and aimed to steal a point from the home side, yet Southampton stretched the gap to 3-1 when an aerial ball found their lone striker who struck the backboard with a well-placed reverse shot into the bottom corner.

Petersfield will be in action again on Saturday, when they will host Winchester’s third team at Bedales School. The match starts at 1.15pm.