Petersfield Town co-manager Pat Suraci was able to see the positives after his much-changed side fell to a 3-0 defeat at Hamworthy Recreation in their final Wessex League Division One game of the season on Saturday.

The Rams made nine changes to the starting 11 for Saturday’s game, with an eye on Tuesday night's play-off semi-final at Newport (IoW).

The decision paid off as Petersfield beat Newport 9-8 on penalties after a 0-0 draw to reach the play-off final.

Frank Rosenwald gave Hamworthy the lead in the second minute on Saturday, before scoring his second on 40 minutes. Brad Waters’ 80th-minute penalty made it 3-0.

Suraci was pleased to have a chance to cast his eye on some of the squad’s fringe players, and felt they acquitted themselves well despite the final scoreline.

“Eight of our usual starting team weren’t even in the squad as we didn’t want to take any risks,” said Suraci. “We had some players making their league debuts, and there were a lot of learnings. Overall, I’m really pleased.

“I was expecting Hamworthy to start strongly as they had a higher place in the league to play for. The first half was difficult, but the second half was quite an even game. The boys got some good experience. It was good for us in a number of ways, as we got to rest some key players and look at other players with an eye on next season.”

Saturday’s defeat followed Petersfield’s 3-1 win at Totton & Eling last Wednesday night (April 19).

Alex Barsa gave the Rams the lead on six minutes, but the home side equalised in the 14th minute through a Zak Sharp own goal.

Petersfield regained the lead on 19 minutes through Cam Smith, before Ollie Davies made it 3-1 in the 37th minute.

The Rams will travel to New Milton Town in the play-off final on Saturday (3pm).

Petersfield will then face Baffins Milton Rovers in the Wessex League Cup final at AFC Portchester on Saturday, May 6 (4pm).

“With the play-off final and the Wessex League Cup final we’ve still got lots to look forward to,” said Suraci.