Petersfield Town 1-5 Eversley & California

A very young Petersfield were convincingly knocked out of the Hampshire Senior Cup by Eversley and California.

A second string side shaped up on Tuesday and were hit for five by the visitors despite a Will Essai consolation penalty.

With youth came the lack of muscle in the box which the visitors exploited in the 19th minute. Despite Harry Fordham having a good chance snuffed out at one end, a corner from the other bought the first goal. A cross into the centre was headed down and past Riley Garrett.

The game was fairly even with both sides carving out opportunities, notable Kieran Mayele, who has a shot well smothered. Mayele and Austin Giles were standouts but it was California full back, Callum Samuel-Harman who stole the show.

From the 54th minute onwards the visitors started to show their step 6 pedigree. Route one was the way as Samuel-Harman latched onto a hesitant defence to steal the ball, closing down Garrett, he went around him and picked his spot.

The third and fourth followed in the 60th and 72nd minute. With Petersfield out of shape, a cross from the left saw the striker get goal side of the defender, take a touch and blast past the keeper. Next was a sweeping low Samuel-Harman cross for the striker at the back post, Garrett made a super initial save but Nathan Mindomba charged in to secure the goal.

Jo Houldsworth put a free header wide but a great run from Jacob Hoare led to a foul and a penalty for Petersfield. Fan Favourite Essai stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way.

The smiles were quickly dashed as the visitors had their four goal cushion back less than sixty seconds later. A Ben Thompson cross for Will May to finish sealed victory for California.

A tough result but it is back to league action on Saturday as we welcome Newhaven at Love Lane.