Petersfield Veterans 4 Haslemere Veterans 0: PETERSFIELD Veterans followed up their tense victory against Salisbury with a successful performance against local rivals Haslemere.

Petersfield were completely dominant in the first half and didn’t allow Haslemere a single shot on goal. Going forward, playing two sweepers allowed Petersfield to build from the back through Rowland and Thompson’s excellent ball distribution. The midfield of Hulme, White, Liddle and Cleife were incisive, giving good ball to Pruden and Bilsland who were well marked by the Haslemere defence. However, an error inside the D after five minutes gave Petersfield a penalty corner, which Thompson drilled into the bottom right-hand corner with some aplomb. Petersfield’s lead was doubled shortly afterwards as Bilsland bundled over the line from Cleife’s precise cross. Dryden-Brownlee, Cleife, Hulme and Pruden all had good opportunities to increase Petersfield’s lead, but the chances either went wide of the goal or were well saved. Eventually, just before the break, Thomson’s intelligent, delayed pass from a penalty corner found Dryden-Brownlee, who swept the ball home. Petersfield were well worth their 3-0 half-time lead, built on their high-energy game, continually pressing the Haslemere defence.

The second half was much more even, with Haslemere stepping up their game and putting pressure on all the Petersfield players. However, the home team’s defence, well marshalled by Rowland, kept the Haslemere forwards at bay, giving them only long-range opportunities. Haslemere were awarded three penalty corners, the last of which was nicely worked and took a fine clearance from Martin to deny a goal. Going forward, Petersfield were too narrow, trying to crash the ball through the top of the D. With 15 minutes to go, Petersfield put a slick passing move together, which White slammed home. Although Haslemere were much improved in the second half, Petersfield’s overall control of the game gave them the edge.