Petersfield Town slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Hassocks in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division on Saturday.

A penalty denied the Rams a point in a game where they produced a positive performance against the runaway league leaders.

Petersfield played some good football, but poor finishing ultimately let the home side down.

The Rams were quick out of the traps and nearly took the lead in the second minute when Dan Wood headed over.

The home side went close again on six minutes when Brandon Miller missed a golden chance.

An excellent move ended with Asad Ssemwogerere lofting a cross into the area which Hassocks keeper Fraser Trigwell dropped to Miller six yards out, but he blazed the loose ball over the bar.

Good passing soon opened up the visitors once again. This time Ssemwogerere beat his man and played a low cross into the box which Harrison Cable took first time, but his effort flew over.

Rams keeper Kieran Connell was dominant inside his box, clearing everything in the first half.

The final chance of the half fell to Cable. Getting the ball inside the area, he found space and missed the target with the goal gapping.

Hassocks raised their game in the second half and won a penalty 59 minutes in after a poorly-timed tackle by Owen Kimber.

Morgan Vale duly tucked away his spot kick for the league leaders.

Callum Kimber drove the Rams’ search for an equaliser, cutting inside and forcing a good low save from Trigwell.

The visitors held on as they fought hard in a scrappy end to the game to show they can win matches in any fashion.

Petersfield Town will travel to Crawley Down Gatwick in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm kick-off).