Guildford Veterans 3 Petersfield Veterans 7: PETERSFIELD Veterans maintained their strong start to the league season with a good performance against a skilful Guildford side.

Although Petersfield started the game with five in midfield, Guildford dominated the first ten minutes and went ahead with a precise strike from the edge of the D. This seemed to spark life into the away side with White, Liddle, and Cleife finding space and proving a handful for the Guildford defence. Eventually, Dryden-Brownlee put Petersfield on the scoresheet with a smart finish from Cornett’s pass. This was followed by two short corners, and Cornett converted the first with an accurate shot just inside the left-hand post. The second was slammed into the Guildford goal by White from close range.

The last 15 minutes of the half were open, with both sides having good chances. Although the Petersfield defence of Cornelius, Rowland and Wilson looked secure, it took a number of timely interventions from Parker to prevent Guilford from narrowing the gap. Shortly before the break, Parker turned defence into attack, running the length of the pitch before calmly slotting it past the advancing keeper.

Guildford came out of the blocks fast in the second half, putting Petersfield under continuous pressure. Broadmeadow did well to keep Guildford at bay, until he inexplicably allowed a gentle deflected shot to roll into the goal. Petersfield started to improve their ball retention, which yielded a number of chances. Neat interplay between Bilsland and Casabianca saw the latter finish from close range. This was followed by another gangly run from the impressive Parker, who again fired the ball past the Guildford keeper. Cornett completed Petersfield’s scoring, following up at a penalty corner, expertly finishing Cleife’s aerial flick.

The final ten minutes of the game saw tiredness take over after a high-paced game, with both sides seeing cards given for mistimed tackles – Cornett, Wilson and Dryden-Brownlee the Petersfield culprits. With less than a minute to go, Guildford scored after a series of shots with Petersfield down to nine. At the final whistle, Petersfield were well worth their victory, although the score flattered them a little.