Petersfield Town match report

AFC Stoneham edge past a resilient Petersfield side on penalties and are through to the

next round of the Russell Cotes Cup.

There was nothing to separate the two sides after a foggy and cold 90 minutes, resulting in

the game going straight to penalties, where Stoneham won 5-4 and sealed their place in the

next round.

It was an evenly contested first 10 minutes with both teams looking lively, however there

wasn’t much goal mouth action.

A long ball forward by goalkeeper Parker-Trott caused problems early on when it was flicked

on by Martins to Cleary, who’s shot was fumbled by the keeper and his rebounded effort

was blazed past the post.

Lewis Nagle was also a handful for defenders with his driving runs, with one of them

resulting in a promising free kick whipped in by Orvis, but Martins’ header just went wide of

the right-hand post.

Martins had another chance soon after following good link-up play with Cleary, but his shot

from the edge of the box was fired just high and wide, nearly nestling in the top corner.

Petersfield had a frighteningly quick front three, and they came close to opening the scoring

when Orepo’s fizzed in cross found the feet of Balde-Djuara, but his shot was also off target.

Stoneham had a good chance to take the lead just before half-time, but goalkeeper Wilson

tipped over a fierce shot from Callaghan, meaning his side went into the break level.

Half Time: AFC Stoneham 0-0 Petersfield Town

The second half started slowly and neither team were creating too many chances, so

Stoneham looked to the bench in the 63 rd minute and replaced Callaghan for Scott Hills, who

created an instant impact.

His authoritative runs were a problem for their fullbacks, and he managed to create a

shooting opportunity for himself in the 67 th minute, but his powerful effort sailed past the

post and allowed their defence to take a breather.

The visitors did enjoy a spell of possession, but the Stoneham defence was organised and in

good shape, limiting their opportunities

The Purps did have the ball in the net in the 80 th minute after a fantastic header from

Martins, however the referee deemed Martins to have nudge the defender and was quick to

give a free kick, with no real complaints by the players.

There were good chances towards the end of the game for both teams, with the first falling

to Martins again, who’s swivelled effort just missed the target.

Then in the 90 th minute of the game, a ball in from their number three found the head of

their captain, who’s looping header seemed to go over Parker-Trott in slow motion and

luckily went just over the bar, meaning that the game ended goalless and goes straight to

penalties.

PENALTIES: STONEHAM WIN 5-4. (Petersfield take first penalty)

Petersfield:

Greenough- GOAL

Agbesyi- GOAL

Hoare- GOAL

Balde-Djuara- MISS

Sharp- GOAL

Dougan- MISS

Stoneham:

Orvis- MISS

Hills- GOAL

Bainbridge- GOAL

Martins- GOAL

Clements- GOAL

Nagle- GOAL

Stoneham Starting XI: Parker-Trott, McNulty, Barnes, Bulpitt, Ockwell, Ovington, Cleary,

Orvis (c), Martins, Nagle, Callaghan.

Subs: Dyer, Bainbridge, Clements, Thackray, Hills

By Freddie Dorman