BROCKENHURST boss Pat McManus wouldn’t go as far as to say his side were victims of a St Valentine’s Day Massacre at Love Lane on Saturday.

But he did concede that Petersfield Town’s 5-0 victory bore all the hallmarks of a team destined to be crowned Sydenhams Premier Division champions.

“We did alright for 25 minutes in horrendous conditions and it was pretty even,” said McManus.

“Their first goal was a bit of a scramble from a corner. Our goalkeeper Sam Cousins made a save, the ball hit the crossbar and their guy (Andy Todd) finished well with an overhead kick.”

Brock then gave another away just before half-time when Ash Howes let fly with a 30-yard goal-of-the-season contender.

“We spoke at half-time about making sure we didn’t concede the next goal, but we did and it was a really poor one from our point of view,” said the boss. “We didn’t put any pressure of them and allowed them a free header when they crossed from the left.

“All three of their second-half goals were free headers, but although I was concerned by the nature of the goals we conceded, I’m not overly concerned about the defeat.

“Petersfield absolutely look like champions and we can’t go to places like that two important players light and expect to win.

“We had no Joe Chamberlain and, although Tom Hill (groin strain) was there, we didn’t risk him. We’ve got ten games still to play and those games will have a bearing on how we finish the season as opposed to a rainy day in Petersfield.

“We’ve got Newport away tonight and both Joe and Tom will hopefully be back, but Jamie Betteridge and Braiden Hamilton are working.”

Todd, Danny Thompson and substitute Rob Tambling buried the second-half headers for league leaders Petersfield who maintain their six-point cushion over Moneyfields at the top.

“Out of the top sides, they’re the best,” said McManus. “They’ve got no real weakness, they can play football or go from back to front quickly when they need to, they’ve got a good run-in on paper and, unlike the other title contenders, they’ve stayed consistent and haven’t had a dip.”