Petersfield 5 Southampton University 4: AFTER four promotions in four years, Petersfield’s first fixture of the new season proved to be a nail-biter.
Petersfield were the first to score as Hughes-Stanton drove down the baseline before pulling the ball back to J Atkinson who sent the ball flying into the roof of the net.
Petersfield settled into the game and began to take control, however, Southampton led 3-1 lead at half time after two open play goals and a penalty corner goal.
Petersfield used the width of the pitch in the second half and were soon level after goals from Hughes-Stanton and Edwards.
With the game tied and players tiring on both sides, the pitch began to open up further, allowing gaps between lines to be exploited.
Southampton broke though the Petersfield line and were awarded a penalty stroke after a shot on goal struck W Atkinson illegally.
The visitors scored the penalty stroke to regain the lead, as Ross’ hand was not enough to keep the ball out.
Petersfield attacked the circle from all angles and were rewarded when J Atkinson dispatched with ease into an empty goal.
With the clock ticking Petersfield’s intensity increased dramatically with attacks coming from all angles.
Anderson and Rye caused chaos with their dribbling abilities in the later stages yet neither were able to score.
Petersfield kept their composure and were rewarded with a fifth goal through J Atkinson, who completed his hat-trick.