PETERSFIELD 2, ALTON 2

HONOURS ended even in a local derby given extra spice by both sides having their promotion prospects unexpectedly enhanced.

During mid-week, Chichester were docked nine points for a rule infringement, meaning that Alton suddenly found themselves third in Hampshire 2 with an outside chance of promotion, just three points adrift of second-placed Petersfield.

The game was predictably intense and Alton keeper Lawrence Jones was called into action several times as Petersfield had the early chances. Skipper Nigel Downing and Andy Cooper led the way in defence as Alton weathered the storm and then had their own spell of possession, with Tom Singleton and Sam Juncker both going close to scoring.

And it was Alton who drew first blood, a slick short-corner routine ending with Alec Hudson deflecting the ball high into the net.

Petersfield immediately counter-attacked and drew level with a neat deflection by Paddy Edwards from a Lee Harris strike.

The sides looked evenly matched in the vital midfield contest, but again Alton found the way to goal when good pressure inside the circle gave Pete Harvey the chance to turn the ball onto his reverse side and slide it under oncoming keeper Alex Smith.

The remaining 35 minutes were always going to be tough for Alton and Petersfield were all over the visitors at first. Alton were still a threat on the break, but just as they seemed to be regaining control, Petersfield drew level from another well-worked short corner, George Hughes-Stanton flicking the ball home.

Either team could have won it going into the last five minutes. Petersfield had a glorious chance to clinch all three points after Jones brought down Hughes-Stanton, but the keeper made amends with a crucial save from Dan Grinstead’s penalty flick.

There was still time for Harvey to force a fine save at the Petersfield end.

Alton’s fate now rests with other teams and their results. Alton will entertain Isle of Wight at Amery Hill in their final fixture on April 7.