A professional performance on the road saw Petersfield Town remain second on goal difference in the Wessex Premier behind AFC Stoneham after winning 2-0 at fourth-placed Andover New Street.

New Street’s Roman Clancy had the first chance, stretching at the back post and putting his effort wide.

The Rams went in front after 11 minutes thanks to Rocco Gamblin. Receiving the ball out on the right, he came inside, rode a couple of tackles then fired towards goal. A deflection helped carry the shot past the keeper and into the corner.

The first half lacked clear chances, but a Liam Kimber corner hit the bar as Petersfield looked to consolidate their lead. Miles Everett did well in the box, his low cross coming off a defender and forcing the New Street keeper into a low save.

Harrison Hide provided a vital block as New Street stepped up the pressure in the second half. Petersfield’s new signing Waledin Ahmed looked a great addition in midfield as his work rate helped keep the hosts at bay.

Last season’s FA Vase semi-finalists caused problems throughout the half, but their biggest moment was a header placed just wide of the far post.

Bob Tudway and Harrison Cable came on for Petersfield to provide a new challenge. Cable went through on goal but a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Issiaga Kaba kept him out.

New Street had cause to feel aggrieved when the Rams doubled their lead. They had a strong penalty claim turned down and were then punished by a lightning counter-attack. Cable slotted a pass through to Tudway and his powerful effort secured the points with 15 minutes to play.

Petersfield manager Connor Hoare said: “It was quite a big game and we were very good. They didn’t really have too many moments in the game and we were quite solid and strong. It ended up being quite comfortable in the end.

“For the second goal, the ball spun up in the air in the second phase after a corner, and the spin made it hit one of our lads on the arm. The referee didn’t give a penalty, so we got slightly lucky, but the counter-attack was very good. Every action we took was great and the ball was up the other end and in their net in about five seconds, really killing the game.”

This Saturday Petersfield have a home game against the new side sitting in fourth place, Baffins Milton Rovers.

Hoare said: “They’re on a big run and they’ve got a lot of momentum behind them. They’ve made some good new signings since our last meeting.

“But in the last two games we’ve had two clean sheets and scored seven goals, so we’re kind of getting our groove back. It’ll be a tough match.”

With so many of their regular squad ineligible for the Hampshire Trophy, having played for the first team in more senior cup competitions, Petersfield’s under-23s were unable to raise a side for last Saturday’s game at AFC Shirley and had to concede the tie.

Last Sunday a depleted Petersfield under-18 squad travelled to meet the Fareham Town Black under-18s, and although they went down to a 3-2 defeat they put in a very creditable performance in the circumstances. Riley Garrett and Henry Brown scored for the Rams.