Petersfield Town manager Connor Hoare was delighted with his side’s performance after they won 4-1 at Hamble Club in the Wessex League Premier Division.
Goals from Tommy Tierney, Kieran Alcock and Jake Thomson (2) sealed the three points as the Rams produced a superb away performance to get their first victory of 2024.
The hosts started well and Braydon Douglas and Nick Yeomans both went close to scoring in the opening 20 minutes.
The Rams then took the lead in the 26th minute thanks to a fine team goal. The move started with Cam Langan, who found Dec Seiden. Seiden’s shot was blocked, but Harvey Aston’s deflected pass was volleyed in by Tierney at the back post.
The Rams took control and grabbed the second in the 42nd minute. Tierney played a long ball from his half and Alcock went round the Hamble keeper and slotted into an empty net.
Hamble were given a lifeline just before half-time when James Johnson’s looping header from a corner was judged to have crossed the line, despite Tierney’s best efforts.
Hamble were then reduced to ten men in the 51st minute after a stamp on the back of Jack Farrier’s leg off the ball.
Petersfield were in full control, and Thomson bagged his first on 68 minutes. Liam Kimber’s lofted ball found Seiden at the back post, and Seiden’s volley across goal was finished by Thomson into the corner.
Thomson’s second came with little over ten minutes to play when a deep corner fell kindly for Thomson to stroke home.
Hoare was pleased with what he saw from his side.
“We had to change the way we play from what we usually do because of the pitch,” said Hoare.
“It took us about 20 minutes to adapt, but once we did we were the better side.
“It was an important win as Hamble were just above us in the league table before the game, and the win took us above them.
“Hamble had a bit of a go after the sending off – it seemed to galvanise them – but once we came through that period we were in complete control.”
Thomson was named player-of-the-match for his performance, and Hoare was delighted with his defender’s efforts.
“Jake is quality – you only need to look at the clubs he has played for,” said Hoare.
“His experience is invaluable for us.”
Next up for the Rams is a trip to high-flying Moneyfields in the Wessex League Premier Division today (Saturday) at 3pm.
Petersfield will then host Fareham Town in the league at Love Lane next Tuesday night (January 16).