Rams denied winning Rovers return

Petersfield were forced to settle for a point from their Southern League division one central trip to Barton Rovers tonight after twice failing to hold onto a lead in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Petersfield attacker Joe Briggs    Picture: Neil MarshallPetersfield attacker Joe Briggs    Picture: Neil Marshall
Petersfield attacker Joe Briggs Picture: Neil Marshall

The Rams broke the deadlock after nine minutes when a high ball forward was knocked on by Andy Todd and ran for Joe Briggs on the right-hand side of the box to fire a low shot past Barton keeper Kyle Forster.

The hosts were level on 26 minutes after George Ironton’s initial effort was parried clear by Rams stopper Anthony Ender, only for James Bishop’s powerful follow-up cross-cum-shot to sneak home at the near post.

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Not to be deterred, Ian Saunders’ Petersfield retook the lead again midway through the second half.

A ball down the left found Jordan Neal who in turn fed the advancing Joe Richardson, who steadied himself before smashing his shot past Forster and into the net.

But, as in the first half, the visitors were unable to hold onto their lead when Alex O’Brien found time and space to fire past Ender for a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, in Wessex League premier division action, AFC Portchester were beaten 2-0 by champions-elect Salisbury.

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Moneyfields were on the right end of the same scoreline as they earned an impressive 2-0 victory over Sholing.

Dan Woodward and Alex Shephard netted for the hosts.

And on a night of 2-0 scorelines, Fareham Town also collected a welcome three points with a hard-earned victory over Lymington Town at Cams Alders.

Cal Laycock and Benny Read scored for the Reds.

Tomorrow night’s action sees Horndean journey to the New Forest to take on Verwood Town in their third game in five days (7.45pm).

Elsewhere, Baffins Milton Rovers host Fleetlands in a Hampshire Premier League derby at the Kendalls Stadium (6.15pm).

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Rovers know that a win will see them go top of the table with only six more games remaining.

Baffins come into the game on a real high having defeated high-flying Otterbourne by two goals to win on Saturday.

Fareham-based Fleetlands cannot be taken lightly, though, as they are on a three-game unbeaten run, the last defeat coming against current table-toppers Hamble.

Indeed, the visitors have recovered from a bad first half of the season – including 17-0 and 8-0 losses to Otterbourne – to sit sixth in the table.

– GRAEME MOIR & 
KEVIN RICKETTS