Petersfield Town manager Connor Hoare praised his side after they drew 1-1 against Southern League outfit Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute when Ryan Griffiths’ downward header went through Rams keeper Jay Morris’ legs.
The Rams didn’t let their heads drop, though, and created plenty of chances as they pushed for an equaliser.
Matt Dougan’s shot went close, before Ollie Davies’ free kick forced a save from Bemerton goalkeeper Amadensz Skrymarz.
Substitute Marvin Orepo was also denied by Skrymarz, but the equaliser arrived in the 81st minute when Davies grabbed his fourth FA Cup goal of the season.
Davies played a lovely one-two with Dec Seiden into the box before shooting across the keeper and into the corner of the goal.
And Hoare was delighted with his side’s performance against their higher-level opponents.
“We don’t fear anyone and always look to play our style of football no matter the opposition,” he said. “The players buy into it because they know the style of football works and creates chances.
“Before the game if you had said we would draw 1-1 against a higher-level team and earn a replay, we would have taken it.
“However, we were actually disappointed after the game as we had enough chances to win the tie on the day. The assist from Dec for the goal was so good.”
Hoare reserved special praise for Davies, and believes he is destined to progress in the game.
“Ollie scored a hat-trick for us in the last round of the FA Cup and took his goal well – he just keeps on delivering,” said Hoare.
“Ollie has improved so much in the past six weeks and it’s all there for him to keep on improving and eventually play at a higher level.
“I’m sure he will make it at a higher level in the game.”
Attention now turns to Saturday’s game at home to Wessex League Division One outfit Fleetlands in the first round qualifying of the FA Vase (3pm) – and Hoare is expecting a tough test.
“There is no such thing as an easy game against Fleetlands,” he said.
“We obviously played against Fleetlands last season and are expecting another difficult test.
“Hopefully we’ll have another good home crowd to help push us through to the next round.”
Petersfield will be in Hampshire Senior Cup action next Tuesday night (August 29), when they will travel to fellow Wessex League Premier Division outfit AFC Stoneham.