AYLESBURY UTD 1, PETERSFIELD TOWN 1

A BIZARRE week in the annals of Petersfield Town FC ended on a positive note with a valuable point at Aylesbury United on Saturday.

The week began with the shock departure of manager John Robson and continued with his return on Thursday and the announcement that first-team coach Paul Marsh had left the club.

Club chairman Graeme Moir’s latest statement revealed that Robson had been re-instated following a meeting instigated by director of football Gary Lines.

The statement said: “Following our announcements when John Robson was removed as first-team manager, more evidence came to light which contradicted the outcome of the investigation I held into the internal situation at the club.

“Having looked into the new evidence, it became apparent that the basis on which we made our decision was no longer the truth and that the original decision had become a flawed one.

“Gary Lines initiated a meeting between him, John Robson, myself and John Geddes. It was a very amicable meeting in which I offered my unreserved apologies to John – which he accepted – and he then accepted our offer for him to return to the club as first-team manager.

“We then went straight to another meeting with the players at which John was re-introduced to them as their manager and this was greeted by cheering and applause by all the players present.

“I apologise unreservedly to John for what has happened.”

The internal events at Love Lane remain shrouded in mystery, but what is clear is that Petersfield seem to be gaining momentum under the experienced Robson. Four points from two games has lifted the Rams off the bottom of the table in the Southern League Div I Central.

Petersfield had to come from behind against mid-table Aylesbury who took the lead in the 25th minute. Taylor Collins flighted a dangerous cross into the centre and the extravagantly named Bruno Lobo De Brito ghosted in to shoot beyond George Hill into the far corner.

But the lead was to last just eight minutes as a slice of good fortune brought the visitors level. Ryan Kinnane attempted to clear a corner from Alex Miroy, but the ball flew off his head at the wrong angle and beat stranded keeper Zaki Oualah.

In the final action of the first half, Petersfield were desperately unlucky not to take the lead. Harry Wedlake advanced from midfield without challenge and blasted a 25-yard shot against the crossbar, the rebound falling to Matt Andrews, who was adjudged offside.

The second half was less eventful, although Alfy Whittingham went close with a shot that flashed across goal and out for a goal kick.

And deep into added time, the Ducks were almost sunk as Olly Sturt broke free down the right and crossed hard and low across the goalmouth where an unmarked Whittingham just failed to get a touch on the ball.

*Petersfield were heading for another hard-earned point on Tuesday night when Tayo Davis-Coker scored the only goal of the game in the 90th minute, volleying home after a corner. Final score: Petersfield 0, Uxbridge 1.