Petersfield Whites 5 vs 1 NW Phantoms

Welcome to the premier league! Away game against last years runners up
Petersfield Whites.

In those first 10 mins we played some tidy football, on the ball quite
a bit. However the attacking threat of Petersfield was very apparent
from the start. Petersfield compressed play so well, allowing them to
break down our short passing. Twice in a row they counter attacked
with real speed down the flank, with the player cutting in to score.
2-0 down became 2-1 after a high lob beat the keeper. Sadly it went to
3-1 as a ball over the top sent through their striker to round the
keeper and score.

Half time was a positive chat, but I sensed boys did look a little
weary. Second half started quite well, but as soon as Petersfield
gained possession, their quick men were on the go. Petersfield scored
twice more, one a rather fortunate shot that became a pass. Phantoms
had a couple of breakaways, with the Petersfield keeper pulling off a
great save. Final score 5-1

The character of the team really came out in the second half.
Petersfield tails were up, but phantoms really dug in and battled well
for the ball. The key difference between the teams were
1/ intensity of play
2/ Petersfield never switched off
3/ clinical attacking unit that played with real pace, but crucially
great movement off the ball.

With 11 aside and a 70 minute game, cricket scores are possible, but
the boys are a lot more resilient. Phantoms had fairly decent
possession levels but most of it in our half of the pitch.