LACK of concentration in the final quarter cost Petersfield Hurricanes U8s dear in their return North East Hampshire Youth League clash with Liphook Sharks at Love Lane on Saturday.

The Hurricanes, most certainly on an upward curve this season, were in charge on home soil for three-quarters of the game but conceded three late goals as the Sharks bit back in an entertaining game.

A seventh goal of the season from the determined Alex Garlant and a first as a Hurricane from the impressive Harry Timmons gave the often slow-starting home side a rare flying start.

Garlant picked up a loose ball from a Sharks corner, beat his man and saw his cross-shot evade the goalkeeper’s dive at the near post, while Timmons weaved upfield, ghosting past three Sharks before firing home in fine style.

Timmons was a constant threat all game with his quick feet, driving runs and awareness belying his years, setting up striker Taylor Pearce whose shot sailed narrowly wide, while at the other end goalkeeper James Port had to be alert to pull off a fine save after a slick move from the visitors.

The Hurricanes, who moments before the break gave a goal away in careless fashion, still looked the more likely to add to their tally with Pearce shooting wide from distance before rattling the post in what was undoubtedly the Hurricanes’ best performance of the season.

Garlant almost netted a second but poked his shot wide of the far post after beating two players in the penalty area while Timmons forced arguably the save of the game from the Sharks goalkeeper who palmed away his goal-bound effort from the top corner.

Midfield dynamo Oscar Walker put in his usual impressive and tigerish shift while Connor Redpath looked more confident and assured while running with the ball and the speedy Finlay Stafferton and solid tackler Benjamin Oru helped keep the hardworking Hurricanes in the ascendancy until they fatefully switched off as tiredness crept in in the closing minutes.

Petersfield Hurricanes: Port, Oru, Redpath, Walker, Timmons, Stafferton, Garlant, Pearce.