Yachtsmen Claim Away Win - Petersfield Town vs. Cowes Sports

Clubhouse and standing cover down one side of Love Lane

This week I decided to watch a game in the Wessex League for the first time since I moved to the south. I don't think I could have chosen a more scenic location than Petersfield. Located in the South Downs National Park the town was a joy to visit. Cowes Sports arrived in town having only lost once in the league all season and were sitting at the top of the table. The hosts had a good start to the season and were top of the league themselves in September but a disappointing run of  results had seen them slip down the league.

Kick off at Love Lane

Before the game there was a minute's silence for Remembrance Sunday and in particular for former Petersfield player Darren Chant. The game has even start and is pretty end to end from the off. Petersfield have the better of the middle of the half but are made to pay for not scoring while being in the ascendency. Just before half time the Cowes player gets through the midfield and the ball is slotted home. Even closer to half time they get a second which is harsh on Petersfield. 

Main stand at Love Lane

Petersfield come out wanting to make amends for the final moments of the first half and there are a couple of close calls for the visitors. As with the first half the game is end to end and Cowes have a few breaks but can't find the final ball. Petersfield get the goal they deserve with a volleyed effort from just outside the box with ten minutes left. Despite the home sides best efforts, the league leaders hold on to claim another league win.

First half action from the back of the stand.

As I stated earlier Petersfield is a fantastic place to visit for football or otherwise. Before the game I went to The Square Brewery which is a Fullers pub half way between the ground and the station. On the way back I popped in to The Eden Bar which is worth popping in to. The station is a short ten to fifteen minute walk through the town centre from the station. Trains depart from London Waterloo and if you catch the fast service then the journey takes just over an hour. The clubhouse is quite large and offers an elevated view of most of the pitch.

Impressive sky over The South Downs National Park