After months without BORO’ we were finally back! Nostalgia was filled throughout the game. Love Lane the place where Pat and Joe started the managerial career, gaining promotion for the Rams in their first season coaching. It was also the first place where they took the reigns at BORO’, winning 7-2 in their opening game.

This time round we would see some new faces in the team, such as striker Danny Rowe and midfielder Cameron Murray. On top of that we had a mixture of Under 18’s and Trialists having a first taste of what could come.

Gosport’s first chance of the new season came on the twelfth minute after Danny Hollands won a ball in the centre of the park. Seeing goalkeeper Grant off his line, he chipped the ball from distance which was easily gathered by the keeper.

Five minutes later, the hosts’ took the lead. A defensive mistake, saw Petersfield’s Harrison Cable through on goal. The striker passed a ball into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.

On the 21st minute, Petersfield should have made it two. Petersfield’s Nu4 in the left pocket picked out goalscorer Cable, who tried to flick it back into the goal but couldn’t find the necessary contact to get the finish.

Just before half time, the Rams cushioned their lead. Tirney laid a lovely through ball into the feet of Cal Kimber. Taking his time, he lets Evans make the first move before slotting home to cushion the lead.

Half Time: Petersfield 2-0 Gosport

Gosport entered the pitch with a completed different team in the second half and it proved to do the trick! A brilliant run from Trialist A saw him play Stanley through on goal. His first touch of the game allowed him to strike a ball into the bottom corner to grab a goal back.

Minutes later we were back onto level terms. Kavanagh with a long pass found Tarbuck on the edge of the box and thanks to a great touch, it allowed him to switch it to debutant Murray open in front of goal. The midfield tapped it home to get his first BORO’ goal!

Once again it was Trialist A who was causing the damage coming from the left channel. Stood left of the box, the left-back pulled a pass back for Stanley who released a shot into the top corner to get his second of the game.

With ten minutes left on the clock, a moment of brilliance made it 4-2. Tarbuck just short of the halfway line had an audacious shot which managed to curl and dip perfectly into that top corner in the goal of the match sending fans wild!

However in a solo counter attack towards the dying stages of the game, the home team grabbed a late goal. Giles managed to rocket a ball past Smart to steal a late consolation. The full time whistle sounded moment later, finishing:

Full Time: Petersfield 3-4 Gosport

A much better second half from Gosport ended up crafting our first win of the season. Next up we’re away to Badshot, so we’ll see you then! But final words from me: UP THE BORO!!!

Picture by Jack Aldridge