ROYSTON 2, PETERSFIELD 3 (Southern League Div I Central)PETERSFIELD Town jolted Royston’s promotion hopes with a thrilling win at Garden Walk.

The Rams were vastly improved from the team that lost 4-0 to Royston at Love Lane back in September and deservedly made the long journey home with the three points.

The Hampshire side came to play football, despite the heavy pitch, and ruthlessly punished Royston’s sloppy marking, especially at set-pieces

Petersfield’s football was pleasing on the eye for much of the first half as they made good use of the ample space allowed them. The visitors quickly showed their attacking intent and forced Ron Yates into two good saves inside six minutes.

At the other end, Anthony Ender made a fine reflex stop when Ryan Ingrey’s hard shot took a deflection off Jamie Ford.

But Royston found some momentum and went ahead from a 23rd-minute penalty. The ricky Rhys Hoenes was sent sprawling by Stuart Green and skipper Jack Bradshaw fired past the diving Ender.

The Rams were far from discouraged and it took them just seven minutes to draw level as the Crows’ defence buckled under pressure. They failed to intercept Joe Richardson’s long ball to Joe Briggs whose great first touch was matched by a precise finish.

In the second half, Petersfield continued to look more dangerous and after Briggs had clipped the post with a header, took the lead from a set play on 51 minutes. A well-directed Briggs corner was headed firmly into the roof of the net by Lewis Hyde.

The wounded Crows were stung into some better attacking play, but came up against some no-nonsense tackling and an inspired Ender in goal. And when they did create a clear-cut chance, Erkan Okay drove his shot straight at the keeper when he should have scored.

However, three substitutions worked well for Royston. In the 71st minute, Rob Mason scored with his first touch when he got on the end of a deflected Danny May free-kick and blasted the ball in from two yards. Two-two, and all to play for.

Again, Petersfield’s response was immediate and emphatic as they grabbed back the lead three minutes later. Royston made a hash of clearing their lines at another corner, the ball was crossed back in, and Dave Jerrard delivered the punitive header.

The Crows gave it everything in the remaining time. Chris Watters’ free-kick looked destined for the top corner, only for a flying Ender to tip the ball over the bar.

Debutant striker Simon Thomas thought he had scored when his header was smothered by Ender in the goalmouth, but the officials dismissed Royston’s claims that the ball had crossed the line, Mason receiving his tenth yellow card of the season in the process.

Petersfield prevailed and, in the final analysis, they deserved the win for their immense commitment to the task.

Royston: Yates, May, Watters, Okay, McDevitt, Brathwaite, Towner (Mason), Bradshaw, Dobson (Thomas), Ingrey (Robins), Hoenes. Subs (not used) Scott-Morriss, Endacott.

Petersfield: Ender, Searle, Wain, Green, Hyde, Ford, Richardson, Jerrard (Norgate), Neighbour (Bailey), Briggs, Todd. Subs (not used): Needham, Eaton.