Petersfield 3 Basingstoke II 4: PETERSFIELD welcomed league leaders Basingstoke, and the fixture was highly anticipated by all involved as a win for either team would see the top spot claimed.

Petersfield broke the deadlock after a swift counter attack down the right wing involving Edwards and Atkinson saw Harris hit the scoreboard. Field were unfortunate to not extend their lead when Edwards sent a volley inches wide from an aerial ball into the circle from Harris. Basingstoke replied with a tight deflection in the last minute of the half to make it 1-1 at the break.

Petersfield started the second half strongly and dominated the first 15 minutes of the half. In this time Harris added a second goal to his name. Basingstoke were down to ten men after a sinbin, and Field made use of the power play with Anderson and Edney over lapping down the right side to set up an impressive team goal finishing with Cains at the far post.

Basingstoke pulled a goal back when loose marking in the circle gave a Basingstoke striker enough time to steer the ball into the near corner. The visitors then equalised when a penalty corner strike was saved by Ross, and the rebound flew into the roof of the net. Two players Basingstoke players were then cautioned. The first was for swinging out at Rye as he went past him, and a Basingstoke striker’s opinion was then not appreciated by the officials. Basingstoke then launched an attack and, although the initial strike was saved by Ross, Basingstoke scored the rebound to go 4-3 ahead with five minutes to go.