FORMER Alton Town boss John Robson has been appointed for a second term as manager of Petersfield Town.

The experienced and well-travelled Robson was successful in his first spell at Love Lane during the 1980s, guiding them to promotion to the Isthmian (now Ryman) League.

Robson, who has Worthing, Alton, Bashley, AFC Totton and Winchester City on his managerial CV, joined Andover as assistant manager last year after parting company with Blackfield & Langley.

He now succeeds Ian Saunders, Petersfield’s most successful manager in recent times, who took over at Winchester City during the close-season, taking several of the Rams’ best players with him.

Petersfield, after a strong showing in their first season in the Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division, have struggled this campaign. The Rams have won once in only 12 games and lie second from bottom in the table.

“It’s good to be back in football and at a club which is near enough to home for me to walk to,” said Robson. “I’m happy and grateful to have been asked to be manager of this football club. I have some great memories of my first spell in charge and hopefully we can create some more this time around as well.

“My target is to definitely stay in the league and improve on where we currently are and then I would like to go on and try and get us to the next level.”

PETERSFIELD TN 0, ROYSTON TN 1

PETERSFIELD showed signs of improvement on Saturday as they held league leaders Royston Town to a one-goal winning margin.

A poor surface at Love Lane was a game-leveller and Petersfield gave a gritty display against formidable opponents.

The vital goal came on 23 minutes. The skilful Kaan Fehmi made space for himself on the left and chipped over a cross that was headed in by an unmarked John Frendo.

Petersfield had their best spell early in the second half and Dan Simmonds went close with a free-kick. But the Crows were strong in defence and snuffed out any real danger.

Petersfield, watched by new manager John Robson, recorded a much-needed win on Tuesday night, albeit against humble opponents Eversley & California in the first round of the Russell Cotes Cup.

The Rams beat the Combined Counties League Division?One outfit 2-1 at Love Lane, with goals from Alfie Whittingham and Harry Wedlake.

Petersfield visit fellow strugglers Kidlington this Saturday. On Tuesday, the Rams have a testing home fixture against Ashford Town.