PETERSFIELD TOWN 2, KIDLINGTON 4 (Evo-Stik Southern League Div I Central)

MANAGER John Robson left Petersfield Town for the second time this season – this time for good after quitting the club at half-time on Saturday, with his side trailing Kidlington 3-0.

Ironically, the Rams scored twice in his absence before falling to their 27th defeat of the season. Fifteeen points adrift at the bottom of the table, Petersfield are resigned to a return to the Wessex League.

Robson, who parted with the club earlier in the season, only to be re-instated almost immediately, had apparently had enough after seeing his beleaguered side ship three goals in the first half-hour.

Petersfield confirmed on Twitter that their experienced manager had quit during half-time.

It was Robson’s second stint at Love Lane and he has also managed AFC Totton, Winchester City and Alton Town amongst several other clubs.

Kidlington’s Anaclet Odhiambo was the main thorn in Petersfield’s side with a hat-trick. The striker earned his side a soft penalty in the first minute and Mark Janes converted, despite a brave effort by Lewis Watch who couldn’t quite cling onto the ball.

Eric Odhiambo set up the second goal for brother Anaclet just 11 minutes later and, on the half-hour, Anaclet beat Watch in a one-on-one to make it 3-0.

Kidlington then had a setback when keeper Sam Warrell was sent off for a professional foul on Billy Connor.

Whatever the events at half-time, Petersfield were fired up on the restart and soon pulled one back against their opponents’ ten men. Luke Edwards jumped highest for a free-kick and his header was only helped into the net by stand-in keeper Bojan Tekek.

However, the increasingly boggy pitch finally did for the Rams. Watch made a hash of collecting a back-pass, slipping in the process, and Anaclet Odhiambo shot into an empty goal for his treble.

Billy Connor scored a late goal in a goalmouth scramble to make the scoreline more respectable.

Petersfield’s Portsmouth Senior Cup home semi-final against Moneyfields was postponed on Tuesday. The Rams visit Kempston Rovers this Saturday. On Tuesday, they host Egham.