Petersfield coach Pearce aiming to keep his title-chasers grounded

Unlike their hosts – who lost at home to Eastleigh II last weekend – Field haven’t played since February 22.

Allied with training being disrupted by the weather and some injuries, the inactivity adds extra jeopardy to what would be a tricky fixture in normal circumstances.

One silver lining is that this weekend’s rescheduled fixture has gone some way to breaking up what would otherwise have been a month long lay-off for the table-toppers.

Second-placed Alton’s fourth loss of the season last weekend, to Havant 2nds, left Field nine points clear at the top with a game in hand.

Field coach Jim Pearce said: ‘This part of the season is always difficult due to the length of time between games.

'This year the lack of continuity has been compounded by the impact of the weather on training.

'Unfortunately these factors can sometimes lead to a lack of focus.

'However, on the positive side, the training we have been able to provide has been attended by very good numbers.

'We - the coaches - can give the boys the tools they need to use on a Saturday, but we cannot coach mind-set.

'In that regard, all we can do currently is to keep the boys grounded as they have yet to achieve the targets that they set for themselves.

'They have to give the opposition the respect they deserve whilst playing with focused energy and patience.”

Petersfield also have a Hampshire Vase final to look forward to next month after beating Sandown & Shanklin in the semi-finals.

They will meet either Fordingbridge or Basingstoke in the final.

Pearce accepts it is going to be an important few weeks.

'Sitting at the top of the league means that we are there to be shot at,' he said.

'We can expect opponents to raise their game against us.

'It is important that we don't allow any complacency to slip in.'