PETERSFIELD Town have finished bottom of the Sydenhams League Premier Division, but at least they bowed out on a defiant note, taking four points from their last two games.
They were desperate to salvage something from the wreckage after slumping to an embarrassing 8-0 defeat at Hamble Club last Thursday. Nathan Lynch scored a hat-trick for Hamble and there was one goal apiece for Ben Kemplen, Mo Nyang, Doug Rowe and Nick Watts.
On the same night, Horndean lost 1-0 away to Shaftesbury, with substitute Sean Thomson scoring the winner in injury time.
Only the woodwork denied them victory and two confident shouts for penalties were turned down.
Alresford, after meeting Andover New Street in the Andover Open Cup final on Wednesday, close the league season with a match at Amesbury tomorrow (Friday).
On Saturday, Petersfield registered only their fourth win of the season, beating Shaftesbury 2-0 at Love Lane. Oli Kershaw and Harry Tremlett scored the goals. The Rams’ better form continued on Monday when they crossed to the Isle of Wight and drew 2-2 with Newport in their last game of the season.
After a second successive relegation, Petersfield will be in Division One next season. At least there will be a local derby against Alton to look forward to.
Horndean recorded a fine 3-1 win at Hamble Club on Monday. Miles Everett scored twice for the Deans and Harry Jackson was also on target.