Petersfield Town manager Connor Hoare was delighted with his side’s performance after they won 3-2 at Christchurch in the Wessex League Premier Division on Saturday.

The Rams fell behind on 32 minutes to Lyle Simpson’s goal, but Harvey Aston equalised just before half-time when he slammed in a header from close range from Tommy Tierney’s corner.

The Rams suffered a blow when keeper Ellis Grant challenged Simpson at the edge of the area and was caught awkwardly. After a lengthy spell down he walked off on crutches, giving George Davis a Rams debut.

Petersfield took the lead just after half-time when Liam Kimber slotted in. It was 3-1 on 52 minutes when Oli Davies found Callum Kimber, who went through and poked in.

Davis looked uncertain in goal and the Rams were caught in possession more than once in their defensive third, but good recoveries and a Davis save kept the hosts out. Derick Ewang pulled a goal back late on, but the points went back to Love Lane.

“The performance was really pleasing,” said Hoare. “We were in control for the majority of the game. Christchurch scored against the run of play but the lads stuck to the gameplan, which paid off in the end.

“It’s a shame about Ellis – he is a top goalkeeper and one of the best in the league so we are gutted about losing him. It looked bad and it’s highly doubtful he will play again this season. We have back-up goalies in place until the end of the season.

“Harvey scoring was crucial as it meant Christchurch couldn’t sit back and protect a lead, which is tough to break down. We started quickly in the second half. Christchurch started to throw everything at it and we did brilliantly to see the game out.”