Petersfield 3 Winchester IV 3: AFTER back-to-back defeats against Basingstoke and Poole, Petersfield were looking to secure three points against tenth-placed Winchester to keep a promotion spot within their hands.

Petersfield fielded a strong team but were missing team captain Dan Grinstead, along with George Hughes-Stanton and Max Rye who have left the team due to work commitments overseas.

Petersfield were off to a hot start as they dominated possession and created a number of chances within the first 15 minutes which could have easily seen them take a commanding lead. With the team playing a high line the defence were left vulnerable to a counter attack which Winchester capitalised on twice. Petersfield reorganised the midfield and drove forward with presence, and Elms capitalised before the break to make the score 2-1.

A defensive reshuffle was made during the break to tighten up the defensive areas and prevent further goals being conceded in a game Petersfield were dominating. The second half started much like the end of the first. Good wing play from Hind, Cains and Harris and supporting wing-backs Anderson and Alder created a second goal to level the score after Harris was found unmarked within the circle. Minutes later Field grabbed another goal to take the lead for the first time in the match after Cains deflected Martin’s through ball just inside the post. Winchester kept battling and gained a string of penalty corners which were well defended. However, a chance in open play was well worked around the Winchester attackers and a goal was scored from close range to make it 3-3.

Petersfield remain in second place on 22 points. The next fixture is to away to Havant’s fourth team, and it will be played at Havant College at 11.45am on Saturday.