PETERSFIELD TN 2, COWES SPORTS 0

PETERSFIELD Town turned their recent improved form into a tangible reward with a deserved win over Cowes Sports on Saturday.

It was, in fact, a league double over Cowes who were the last team to be defeated by Petersfield – back in October on the Isle of Wight when the Rams came away with a 1-0 victory.

This was only Petersfield’s third win of the season and they remain six points adrift at the bottom of the Sydenhams League Premier Division, having played several more games than their relegation rivals.

But their hardy fans at last had something to cheer about as goals from Danny Thompson and Jordan Geddes clinched three points at a wet and muddy Love Lane, ending a run of eight straight defeats.

The struggling Islanders missed a string of chances in the first half and, still level at 0-0, the Rams sensed they could get something from the game in the second 45 minutes.

Luke Eaton made some fine saves to keep his side in the game and Cowes were also twice denied by the woodwork. Callum Chase saw his effort clip the crossbar and then a shot from John McKie hit the upright.

The second half continued in relentless rain and, with just five minutes gone, it was Petersfield who made the vital breakthrough.

Harry Tremlett was sent tumbling in the area and Thompson sent Ed Hatt the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Four minutes later, the Rams were in dreamland as they established a two-goal cushion. From a corner, Thompson knocked the ball back across goal and Geddes was there to score with an unstoppable header.

The game then fizzled out in the downpour and Cowes only threatened to pull one back in the final minute when a shot was cleared off the line.

Petersfield are away to tenth-placed Bemerton Heath this Saturday.

Petersfield: Eaton, Llewelyn, Holford (Kershaw), Tayler, Kennedy, Geddes, Keogh, Thompson, Connor (Evans), Tremlett (Plackett), W Essai. Subs (not used): Fagelman, Hurlstone.