HANWELL TOWN 4, PETERSFIELD TOWN 1 (Evo-Stik Southern League Div I Central)

RELEGATED Petersfield competed gamely in the first half and restricted Hanwell to a one-goal advantage at the interval.

However, mid-table Hanwell raised the tempo in the second half and the young visitors ran out of steam in the strength-draining heat, conceding three further goals.

Despite their long trek north, Petersfield made the brighter start and almost took the lead when skipper Ryan Woodford curled a free-kick around the two-man wall and against the anglebar, with keeper Melvin Minter beaten.

Five minutes later, Matt Andrews volleyed narrowly over the bar from the edge of the area.

However, Hanwell played themselves into the game and after missing some half-chances, took the lead on the half-hour mark. Zak Joseph’s low drive was half-stopped by the sprawling Matt Collins, but had sufficient power to carry the ball over the line.

Collins saved with his boot to deny Hanwell a second goal before half-time, but the home team were in the ascendancy on the restart and doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Dean Allen laid the ball into the path of fellow striker Tom Hunt who made no mistake from close range.

Five minutes later, the Rams were nearly gifted a bizarre own goal as Minter’s clearance cannoned against defender Calum Duffy and rebounded towards the net, the keeper just managing to retrieve the situation.

After missing two one-on-one chances, Hanwell added a third goal on the hour, Hunt scoring his second of the day with a neat cushioned header.

Petersfield weren’t quite finished and pulled one back on 65 minutes. Sean Barnes cleared the ball downfield to Andrews who scored at the second attempt after Minter had saved his first shot.

But Hanwell had the last word as substitute Harvey Killeen’s shot was parried by Collins and Allen moved in to put away the loose ball.

Petersfield host Potters Bar this Saturday. On Easter Monday, the Rams make the short trip to Fleet Town. Petersfield make their Southern League exit with a home fixture against Arlesey on April 22.