PETERSFIELD TN 3, FAREHAM TN 4

PETERSFIELD have seemingly forgotten how to win matches in the Sydenhams Premier League. Twice, they were ahead at Love Lane on Saturday, only for Fareham to equalise each time and then snatch the winner while down to ten men.

With only seven minutes gone, the Fareham defence was all over the place as Billy Connor’s chip beat keeper Luke Douglas and found the top corner.

Luke Eaton pulled off a fine diving save to deny Matt Simm, but Fareham were soon level in this see-saw struggle, Curt Robbins making space for a low shot which went in off the upright.

Petersfield should have regained the lead when winger Gavin Keogh blasted over the bar with the goal at his mercy and, just before half-time, the Creeksiders had another scare when Luke Kendall’s free header looped over the crossbar.

However, the hosts needed only two minutes of the second half to take a 2-1 lead. Shawn Benjamin tripped up Connor and Kendall converted the penalty.

The Creeksiders were back on terms ten minutes later, thanks to George Davis who met an Ashley Tattersall corner kick with a cheeky back heel that beat Eaton.

Douglas saved brilliantly from Kendall’s free-kick, but the Rams’ task appeared to be made easier with 20 minutes to go when Robbie Pittman was sent off after a fracas with Kendall.

But the depleted visitors got their noses in front as Tattersall showed his skills on the sticky surface and curled the ball into the left corner.

Back came Petersfield and Ed Plackett’s deflected shot gave Douglas no chance; 3-3 with five minutes to go.

On 89 minutes, Fareham make their third and last change and it proved to be an inspired move.

With the final seconds ticking away, Louie Castles supplied a pinpoint cross for substitute Sammy-Lee Kessack to jump high and head past Eaton.

Ecstacy for the Creeksiders, deep frustration for the Rams.