The students cracked under sustained pressure as Petersfield found their form at Southampton on Saturday.

The water-based pitch posed problems at first, with players aquaplaning and losing their footing.

But Petersfield's pressure paid off when Bill Ashworth seized on a cross-field clearance and released Graham Stopher who finished with aplomb.

University equalised from a short corner, but Petersfield stuck to their game plan and Ashworth rifled the next short corner into the back-boards at the other end.

Nick Budden then won a penalty stroke when he was fouled in the circle, but Nigel Faulkner's flick made the student 'keeper look better than he was.

Although Petersfield had to soak up some pressure, they were always in control. Paul Martin was having a commanding game in goal and instilled confidence into his defence. Gary Tutt's influential game in midfield also helped nullify the University's attack.

Petersfield increased their lead when Matt Williams played a through-ball to Marcus Handley who blasted his shot into the roof of the net.

Tom Martin had a goal-bound drive parried away by the 'keeper, while Ashworth shot over the bar from three feet when it looked easier to score.

Robert Bryan, Mark Walker and Andy Bray rotated the personnel on the flanks of midfield to good effect on an abnormally warm afternoon.

Petersfield then sat back a bit and drew the students forward, allowing Nick Budden to complete the scoring after a sweeping counter-attack.

This result showed the importance of a squad approach to the game. All 13 members played their part, giving new captain Trevor Hillman more scope in his game plan.