Petersfield III 2 Yateley V 2: PETERSFIELD’S third team drew 2-2 against Yateley in their most evenly-matched game so far this season.
There was very little to split the teams in the league table before the game, so it was all to play for.
Petersfield started uncharacteristically quietly, allowing Yateley to take the advantage. The home side gave Yateley room to play and found themselves on the back foot. Petersfield’s defence came unstuck under the pressure and Yateley scored twice.
Petersfield’s midfield engines of Ankers and Thompson took back control of the game, the pace quickened and the home side turned defence into attack.
The hard graft was rewarded with a drive down the left wing through Price and Hancox. The cross found Cooke-Priest at the top of the D, and a side step and well-timed shot crisply hit the backboard and took Yateley by surprise.
The second half was fought out by both teams and was a battle of strength and stamina. Petersfield played with confidence and strove to push play deep into Yateley’s half.
The home side squandered a couple of short corners and Anderson came close with a clever chip over the Yateley keeper.
Petersfield’s breakthrough came with ten minutes to go. Thompson and Ankers drove the ball out of defence and found Maughan-Taylor, who released Cooke-Priest down the right flank. Anderson was well positioned for the cross and took the shot to level the scores.