With much appreciated support from some Petersfield Ladies 2s players, the new look first eleven (no subs ☹️) headed to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight ferry. The focus firmly on enjoying a fun awayday, the team set sail with a plethora of delicious breakfast options to take their minds off the grim weather.

The ladies got to the business end of their trip, and Isle of Wight 1s pushed back to get the match under way. The initial exchanges were fairly even, and Petersfield were able to put pressure on a slightly casual IOW side. Marshalled by Lauren, the visitors defence held the home team at bay through successive attacks, until a scrappy penalty corner saw IOW take the lead after about 15 minutes.

Fizz worked tirelessly through the middle of the pitch, constantly surrounded by numerous opposition midfielders as she tried to work her usual magic. Luckily this left right mid Georgie with some unexpected space that she exploited skilfully, driving into the IOW 'D' to slot home a slick reverse strike. 1-1.

The half progressed with IOW looking increasingly organised and despite Petersfield's best efforts, the top of the table hosts finished the half strongly with two more goals.

Having made a couple of positive tactical position changes, Petersfield began the second half confidently. Anna SB moved into the defence effectively, and this freed up Eva to join the forward line. A quick attack through the middle saw Eva break into the 'D', but unfortunately her strong hit was saved by the IOW keeper. Alice pushed up time and again, spreading the ball left and right, but the IOW defence stood firm and soaked up the pressure.

Despite her signature composure and some athletic saves, Petersfield goalkeeper Alex, and her defence, couldn't keep the opposition out in the second half. Midway through IOW scored their 4th and final goal. Undeterred, Aoife, Rosie and Laura continued to link up well on the left to try and finish with a flourish. Despite their best efforts, it was a move up the right side of the pitch that lead to Petersfield and Georgie's second goal.

Fizz's pinpoint distribution found Georgie to her right, and, coming onto the ball at speed, she wove through the IOW defenders and beat their keeper with a pacy shot for goal number 2.

Petersfield tried to capitalise on the momentum change after the goal, but unfortunately IOW kept them at bay to win 4-2.

Highlights of the match were all three SBs on the pitch together, closely followed by O'Ss both representing the Ladies first team

Player of the Match was shared between Georgie (2 fab individual goals) and Fizz (excellent play and tremendous catering )

After the final whistle Petersfield rushed for the ferry home and Fizz's much anticipated afternoon tea extravaganza. Unlike the match, it did not disappoint! At least six different sandwich fillings and some delicious homemade cheese straws helped end the day on a high
By Anna O'Kelly