Petersfield Town put in a fantastic performance for a 2-0 win over Baffins Milton Rovers at a boggy Love Lane.

Baffins had been on a great run but Petersfield came out on the front foot, with Rocco Gamblin causing headaches for the visitors.

Playing on the touchline, he sent in a cross from deep which a defender missed the chance to clear. Rudy Blankson took a touch, dummied and slotted in off the far post.

In the 22nd minute Gamblin sprinted past the Baffins left-back and into the area. Gamblin’s shot was saved by the keeper but the ball rebounded off his chest and over the line.

Liam Kimber was having a great game in the middle, asserting his presence and linking play well. Keeper Ellis Grant made himself big for a couple of important saves in quick succession to keep his clean sheet intact. Harrison Hide made a superb tackle as Baffins got in a dangerous position.

Petersfield started the second half brightly, in front of a crowd of 201, with Harrison Cable and Blankson putting on the pressure and good defending from Baffins keeping them out.

Hide gave the ball away and the Baffins striker bore down on goal, but Grant got down well to save his shot.

Will Webb went close to a third as he sent a shot wide of the far post, but Petersfield had done enough to secure a victory which ensured a joyful Christmas and kept the second-placed Rams level on points with leaders AFC Stoneham going into their top of the table clash on December 27.

In their home game on December 21, played at Stedham, Petersfield’s under-18s produced a battling performance against Gosport Borough’s under-18s but were outplayed by their visitors, who showed why they are favourites for the title by running out 7-1 winners.

Michael Christou