Petersfield Town co-manager Pat Suraci hailed the quality of his side’s pressing after the Rams earned a comprehensive 4-0 win at Andover Town in Division 1 of the Wessex League on Saturday afternoon.
Rams keeper Jordi Wilson saved a penalty at 0-0, before goals from Archie Greenough, Matt Dougan, Alex Barsa and Marvin Orepo fired the visitors to an emphatic win.
“We were excellent and fully deserved the win,” said Suraci.
“If Jordi hadn’t saved the penalty it could have been a different game, but we were fully worth the win. Out of possession we were really aggressive with our pressing.
“Joe (Lea) and I want the team to press aggressively out of possession, win the ball back high up the pitch, and then be calm and composed in possession.
“It was also pleasing to see our substitutes make an impact, with Marvin scoring after coming off the bench. Marvin has started a lot of games for us and we know what he can offer.”
The Rams started brightly at Andover but conceded a penalty when Wilson fouled Lewis Williams. Wilson made amends by saving David Jerrard’s spot kick.
The first goal came a couple of minutes before half-time thanks to Greenough’s 16th goal of the season. Connor Hoare’s corner found Greenough, and his effort beat the keeper at the near post.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 48th minute when Hoare’s cross found Dougan, who finished past the keeper first time.
Andover tried to playing out from the back, but lost possession on multiple occasions and were punished by Barsa. Greenough pressed the keeper into a weak clearance to Barsa about 20 yards out. He had time to get closer to goal before shooting into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Orepo scored the fourth in the 85th minute. Ollie Davies squared the ball across to Orepo for a tap in at the near post.
Suraci also expressed his delight at returning to Love Lane. He joined the Rams as co-manager with Joe Lea last summer, but left in December to concentrate on a coaching role at Gosport Borough, leaving Lea in sole charge. However, the co-manager has now returned to his previous role alongside Lea.
“I’m really happy to be back,” said Suraci. “I missed only two games, but I wanted to come back and finish the job with Joe.”
Petersfield Town’s reserve team conceded deep in added on Saturday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against AFC Stoneham’s reserve team at Love Lane.
Josh Chipps was the Petersfield goalscorer.