PETERSFIELD TN 3, AYLESBURY 2

AYLESBURY became the 11th team to bite the dust at Love Lane this season and Petersfield beat them more convincingly than the score suggests.

The Moles were always playing catch-up after Petersfield took the lead inside two minutes. Twice, the visitors drew level before Howard Neighbour’s second goal gave the Rams a 3-2 advantage they held comfortably for the final 15 minutes to close out their third consecutive victory.

Petersfield coped better with the tough conditions and were particularly dominant in the air, as Joe Briggs showed early on when he rose highest for a cross and placed his header past a rooted Matthieu Varnica.

With the wind behind them, Petersfield continued to press. Briggs curled a free-kick just over the top and Andy Todd’s header was well taken by Varnica.

However, Aylesbury equalised from their first decent chance on 25 minutes. Edd Smith cushioned the ball nicely and winger Gareth Price hit a sweet shot from 18 yards which Anthony Ender, playing against his former club, could only help into the net.

The Moles would have been happy with 1-1 at the break, but poor defending helped Petersfield regain the lead. Jordan Neal was allowed space to deliver an inch-perfect cross for Neighbour to back-heel home from close range. Not quite in the Jamie Vardy class, but a deft finish nonetheless.

Back came Aylesbury with a second equaliser early in the second half. Edd Smith, latching on to a weighted through-ball, had the confidence and skill to lift the ball over the advancing Ender.

Playing down the slope with the wind in their favour, the Moles seemed to be in the driving seat, but the home team wanted it more.

And it was the in-form Neighbour who grabbed the winner. Briggs played the ball inside and Neighbour turned sharply to beat Varnica with a low shot.

Rather than sit back, Petersfield went for further goals. Varnica saved with his feet from Todd and Jordan headed just wide of the far post.

Aylesbury themselves could have rescued a point when Ender’s punched clearance lacked distance and a goalmouth scramble ensued before the keeper made amends by smothering the ball.

Petersfield: Ender, O Searle, Wain, Green, Buckland, Ford, Richardson, Todd (Giles), Neighbour, Briggs, Neal. Subs (not used): Hyde, Saunders, Geddes, Eaton.

* All but one of the scheduled Southern League Div I Central games were called off on Easter Monday, including Petersfield’s local derby at Godalming.

Petersfield visit third-placed Egham Town this Saturday. On Tuesday, the Rams travel to Barton Rovers.

* Petersfield continued their good run of form with a 1-0 win over play-off contenders Northwood at Love Lane last week.

Oli North scored the only goal of the game after 56 minutes. Andy Todd battled well to win the ball in midfield and then Joe Briggs supplied a deep cross towards the far post where Bailey’s powerful header gave keeper Berkley Laurencin no chance.