A LATE Richard Covey wonder goal proved to be a consolation as New Milton hit Petersfield Town for four on Saturday.

Covey scored an own goal after less than a minute.

Jack Dacombe’s free kick on the right-hand side of the box was fizzed in and deflected off Covey at the near post and into the roof of the net.

The visitors doubled their lead from a similar position after eight minutes. Another Dacombe free kick was allowed to bounce, and Callum Parnell got behind Jake Bourton at the far post and tapped in.

The pressure continued throughout the game, although the Rams had good periods of play where they settled and tried to play positively.

Rams goalkeeper Tim Jackson was regularly called into action and made a couple of blocks with his feet and pushed an effort wide.

New Milton increased their lead at the start of the second half, when Tyrrell Sampson scored at the near post.

The visitors scored their fourth goal in the 75th minute, when Chris Long slotted in.

The Rams netted on 85 minutes, when they capitalised on tired New Milton defending.

A corner bounced around in the area, before it fell to Covey outside the box. He hit a strike with the outside of his boot that flew into the top corner, leaving the keeper stranded.

The Rams beat Fleet Spurs, who have moved sideways from the Combined Counties League, 2-0 last Tuesday night to earn their first points of the new season.

A penalty from Bailey Newbury and a solo goal from Kieran Alcock, and a clean sheet for Tim Jackson, wrapped up a good night at Love Lane.

The home side took charge from the off, and looked strong throughout. Aaron Akoman nearly gave the Rams the lead, but his effort was blocked.

Newbury had a similar chance, but his shot from a narrow angle was well saved.

Petersfield continued to press throughout the first half, but the clear chances didn’t arrive until the second half.

After 50 minutes, Jackson’s poor pass out from the edge of his area gave Fleet a rare chance. Shane Gibson received the ball in the area, but the recovering Jackson managed to get in the way of the shot.

Akoman was next to go for goal. His dipping, curling strike from the edge of the box was heading towards the top corner, but Fleet goalkeeper Jay Morris tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The game turned when Alcock came on. His creativity won the Rams a 75th-minute spot kick. Alcock retrieved a blocked shot in the box, and was tripped when he tried to go round a defender.

Newbury stepped up and slotted away the penalty for his third goal of the season.

Alcock bagged a second ten minutes later. After running through the left-hand side of the box he faced up against a defender and confidently slotted the ball into the corner.

Petersfield Town’s reserve side have got their league season under way in the Hampshire Combination and Development League Premier Division.

The Rams started with a 1-1 draw at Alton Reserves last Tuesday night, followed on Saturday by a 3-2 defeat away to Wimborne Town Reserves.