Petersfield Veterans 4 Haslemere Veterans 3: PETERSFIELD won a close, hard-fought, encounter to strengthen their interest in the end of season finals day.

Both sides began the game passing well, with attacking intentions to the fore. Pruden was proving a handful for the Haslemere defence, but blazed his first chance out of the ground. However, shortly afterwards, he received Hulme’s pass at the top of the D and smashed a reverse stick shot past the keeper. Petersfield continued to dominate the early stages, with Hulme, Parker and Ulph having a good sight of goal. As the half wore on, holes appeared in Petersfield’s five man midfield, putting pressure on the lethargic defence. Broadmeadow made a series of saves, but could do nothing to prevent Haslemere scoring after Budden’s mistake. The game remained open until half time, with Haslemere continuing to have the better chances.

Petersfield rearranged their midfield in the second half, with McDermott playing a holding role at the back. The stability improved Petersfield’s confidence going forward and the industry of White, Liddle and Hulme started to dominate the game. Ulph converted Cornett’s cross at the far post and, shortly afterwards, his diving shot found the roof of the Haslemere net. Petersfield extended their lead to 4-1 when Cornett’s pullback was finished by Pruden with another reverse stick shot.

Haslemere were far from finished and Cornelius and Wilson made superb tackles to keep them at bay. Petersfield’s midfield began to tire and Haslemere exploited the space to bring the score to 4-3 through two neat finishes at the far post following good approach play. However, Petersfield held out for the last five minutes to record a fine, hard-fought, win.