PETERSFIELD Hockey Club’s men’s third team slipped to a close 2-1 defeat against the Isle of Wight’s second team on Saturday in a match which was played on a sticky pitch and was low on quality.

The first half saw few chances, with possession regularly given up by both sides. The sticky pitch meant any pass not fired precisely and firmly often failed to reach its target.

The Isle of Wight team, who play their home games in Portsmouth, broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of the first half with a move of rare quality, breaking from the back, moving the ball quickly and at pace to deflect home in front of keeper Edward Black.

A second goal followed at the beginning of the second half when Petersfield coughed up possession with another sloppy pass and the island team countered quickly through their young front line. Black saved an initial shot but his defence was slow to react and the opposition pounced to slot home the loose ball.

Petersfield then started to enjoy more possession and territory but failed to capitalise on a series of short corners.

With five minutes to go Ian Pruden hurled his considerable weight into a flicked shot which had too much pace on it for the home keeper.

Three more short corners followed, with the final play of the game seeing Danny Rowland’s goalbound lifted shot blocked at head height on the line.

A draw would have been unfair on the Isle of Wight team, who celebrated loudly at the final whistle.

Petersfield pause for the Christmas break in mid-table, having completed the first half of the fixture list with a symmetrical record of four wins, one draw and four defeats.