WROUGHTON (N) - WON 2 - 6
What a night for Downton Football Club! The club retained the Wiltshire Senior Cup for the second season running after beating Wiltshire Premier League side, Wroughton FC 6 - 2. The game was moved to Meadow Lane, the home of Westbury Utd, due to the recent poor weather. Wroughton sit third in the Wiltshire league and were the first side from this league to qualify for a Senior Cup Final since Trowbridge Town back in the late 80’s. So this was a great achievement for them and the league.
The Robins started really brightly and should have been 3 or 4 nil up within the first 25 minutes. Sadly, a lack of composure in front of goal thwarted the Robins, with superb chances falling to Sam Howe and Kris Krysztofowicz. Ollie and Shaun also had chances which their keeper did well to save. With their first chance of the game, Wroughton opened the scoring with a lovely diagonal ball over the top which landed at the feet of their top goal-scorer, Jonathan Peachey-Score. He has scored over 30 goals already this season and you can see why as he collected the ball and smashed it home to put the underdogs ahead.
Again, we created a few chances over the next 10 minutes or so but the lads’ nerves were definitely affecting them as the chances went by without finding the back of the net. Thankfully, in the 40th minute Sam Howe equalised when he tucked away a rebound after a freekick from Craig Tyson was spilled by the Wroughton keeper. Moments later, and just as we thought we would go in level at the break, the Robins took the lead when Kris Krysztofowicz (the club’s top goal scorer with 31 Goals) smashed home at the far post after a lovely cross by Sam Howe.
We nearly increased our lead in the 58th minute when a lovely run and shot by Captain Marcel Laptas smashed against the Wroughton bar. 2 or 3 minutes later, a quick throw-in by Clarky found substitute Cameron Butler. He crossed a lovely ball across the goal which again found Kris who headed home. Now it was all the Robins and we scored again in the 65th minute with a goal from Marcel Laptas. A lovely through ball from Raff found Sam Howe but Snakey could not control the ball as he had a defender on him. Thankfully, the ball rebounded to Marcel who smashed the ball into the net to give the Robins a 4-1 lead.
Wroughton were now tiring and it showed, with Downton creating chance after chance. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we gifted Wroughton a way back into the game in the 76th minute when a mis-clearance by Will Betts hit the on-coming player Dave Harman and rebounded into the net. A free-kick was given to the Robins after a horrendous challenge on Butler. Thankfully, he was ok and from the resulting free-kick his lovely effort on goal caused problems for their keeper and defender on the line; somehow it evaded both to find the net. A few minutes later, we got another corner. Cameron Butler took a lovely out-swinging corner, which was met by the on-coming Ollie Davies who headed home the club’s sixth goal.
During the last few minutes of the game The Robins toyed with their opponents until the referee blow for full time. This sparked mass celebration on the pitch and in the stands. Most of the crowd came from Downton and it looked like they had all enjoyed their evening at Westbury. This victory in the Senior Cup is the fourth time we have won this historic trophy and the second back-to-back wins. We have now won it in 79-80, 80-81, 21-22 and 22-23 seasons.
What an achievement and what a special club we are all involved in. Up The Robins.
The Robins started really brightly and should have been 3 or 4 nil up within the first 25 minutes. Sadly, a lack of composure in front of goal thwarted the Robins, with superb chances falling to Sam Howe and Kris Krysztofowicz. Ollie and Shaun also had chances which their keeper did well to save. With their first chance of the game, Wroughton opened the scoring with a lovely diagonal ball over the top which landed at the feet of their top goal-scorer, Jonathan Peachey-Score. He has scored over 30 goals already this season and you can see why as he collected the ball and smashed it home to put the underdogs ahead.
Again, we created a few chances over the next 10 minutes or so but the lads’ nerves were definitely affecting them as the chances went by without finding the back of the net. Thankfully, in the 40th minute Sam Howe equalised when he tucked away a rebound after a freekick from Craig Tyson was spilled by the Wroughton keeper. Moments later, and just as we thought we would go in level at the break, the Robins took the lead when Kris Krysztofowicz (the club’s top goal scorer with 31 Goals) smashed home at the far post after a lovely cross by Sam Howe.
We nearly increased our lead in the 58th minute when a lovely run and shot by Captain Marcel Laptas smashed against the Wroughton bar. 2 or 3 minutes later, a quick throw-in by Clarky found substitute Cameron Butler. He crossed a lovely ball across the goal which again found Kris who headed home. Now it was all the Robins and we scored again in the 65th minute with a goal from Marcel Laptas. A lovely through ball from Raff found Sam Howe but Snakey could not control the ball as he had a defender on him. Thankfully, the ball rebounded to Marcel who smashed the ball into the net to give the Robins a 4-1 lead.
Wroughton were now tiring and it showed, with Downton creating chance after chance. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we gifted Wroughton a way back into the game in the 76th minute when a mis-clearance by Will Betts hit the on-coming player Dave Harman and rebounded into the net. A free-kick was given to the Robins after a horrendous challenge on Butler. Thankfully, he was ok and from the resulting free-kick his lovely effort on goal caused problems for their keeper and defender on the line; somehow it evaded both to find the net. A few minutes later, we got another corner. Cameron Butler took a lovely out-swinging corner, which was met by the on-coming Ollie Davies who headed home the club’s sixth goal.
During the last few minutes of the game The Robins toyed with their opponents until the referee blow for full time. This sparked mass celebration on the pitch and in the stands. Most of the crowd came from Downton and it looked like they had all enjoyed their evening at Westbury. This victory in the Senior Cup is the fourth time we have won this historic trophy and the second back-to-back wins. We have now won it in 79-80, 80-81, 21-22 and 22-23 seasons.
What an achievement and what a special club we are all involved in. Up The Robins.
AMESBURY TOWN (A) - WON 1 - 6
We travelled to our neighbours Amesbury Town, this time in the Wessex League, having beaten them 3-0 in the Wiltshire Cup Semi-Final only a few weeks ago.
This was our first game after winning the Wiltshire Cup Final after our game at Fleetlands was postponed so the lads were buoyant from the kick off.
The Robins opened their account in the seventh minute when KK picked up the ball in our half and released Sam Howe down our host’s right flank. Snakey had his effort saved by their keeper but the ball rebounded to him and he crossed the ball across the six yard box for Ollie Davies to tuck away at the far post: 1-0 to the Robins. This took the heart of our hosts and 5 minutes later we increased our lead from Ollie Davies. Clarky took a quick throw-in to Kris, who controlled the ball and lofted the ball back over his head and into the box. The quick delivery shocked the static Amesbury defence and this allowed Ollie Davies to burst through to head home unchallenged.
Credit to Amesbury as for the rest of the half they were the better side and created a few chances. They finally scored from a free-kick from Connor Millar which took a massive deflection off Kris in the 43rd minute. This completely wrong footed Will in the Robins’ goal. Moments later, we regained our 2 goal lead when Kris slipped a lovely ball through their defence to Sam Howe, who controlled the ball and sent it past the oncoming keeper.
2 minutes into the second half the game was won and any fight back from Amesbury was killed when top goal-scorer Kris got into the action. Ollie Davies broke down the left and crossed a lovely whipped ball across the box for KK to smash home at the back post.
We then took total control of the game and scored our fifth in the 64th minute from Ollie Davies. This was Ollie’s 🎩🎩🎩 and his 31st goal of the season. Cam Butler laid the ball off to Kris who cut the ball back for Ollie to smash home his hat trick of the season.
It was 6-1 in the 81st minute when KK scored his 35th of the season. From an over-hit corner, Sam Howe cut the ball back to Kris to smash the ball home. This completed our scoring against our hosts. We have played them three times this season scoring 18 and only conceding 1. Not a bad record at all.
This was our first game after winning the Wiltshire Cup Final after our game at Fleetlands was postponed so the lads were buoyant from the kick off.
The Robins opened their account in the seventh minute when KK picked up the ball in our half and released Sam Howe down our host’s right flank. Snakey had his effort saved by their keeper but the ball rebounded to him and he crossed the ball across the six yard box for Ollie Davies to tuck away at the far post: 1-0 to the Robins. This took the heart of our hosts and 5 minutes later we increased our lead from Ollie Davies. Clarky took a quick throw-in to Kris, who controlled the ball and lofted the ball back over his head and into the box. The quick delivery shocked the static Amesbury defence and this allowed Ollie Davies to burst through to head home unchallenged.
Credit to Amesbury as for the rest of the half they were the better side and created a few chances. They finally scored from a free-kick from Connor Millar which took a massive deflection off Kris in the 43rd minute. This completely wrong footed Will in the Robins’ goal. Moments later, we regained our 2 goal lead when Kris slipped a lovely ball through their defence to Sam Howe, who controlled the ball and sent it past the oncoming keeper.
2 minutes into the second half the game was won and any fight back from Amesbury was killed when top goal-scorer Kris got into the action. Ollie Davies broke down the left and crossed a lovely whipped ball across the box for KK to smash home at the back post.
We then took total control of the game and scored our fifth in the 64th minute from Ollie Davies. This was Ollie’s 🎩🎩🎩 and his 31st goal of the season. Cam Butler laid the ball off to Kris who cut the ball back for Ollie to smash home his hat trick of the season.
It was 6-1 in the 81st minute when KK scored his 35th of the season. From an over-hit corner, Sam Howe cut the ball back to Kris to smash the ball home. This completed our scoring against our hosts. We have played them three times this season scoring 18 and only conceding 1. Not a bad record at all.
RINGWOOD TOWN (A) - WON 1 - 4
Today we travelled to our good friends and local rivals Ringwood Town, in our next Wessex League game. After Tuesday’s disappointing result on the road to Ash Utd it was so important we finished the last few games on a high. It was great to have top goal-scorer Kris Krysztofowicz back in the side, and in the early exchanges our front 4 were causing problems for Ringwood. It was Ringwood though, who took the lead in the 20th minute from a cross from the left which evaded everyone apart from centre-back Brad Smith, who headed home to put the hosts one-nil up.
Downton started to create chances but the ever impressive Ollie Plunkett, in the Ringwood goal, thwarted our every effort.
Finally, on the stroke of half time we got an equaliser from Shaun Prento Prentice, with his eleventh goal of the season. From a corner from Marcel Laptas, the ball was headed back by Kris to Prentice who controlled the ball and turned to strike it home.
Early in the second half, neither side created any chances. Just when you thought the game would end as a draw, a Ringwood player handled in the area which gave the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Kris stepped up to stroke home the penalty, sending Plunkett the wrong way. This goal killed Ringwood, as the confidence was at an all-time low after only 2 wins in their last 22 games. From this moment,the Robins went through the gears and our hosts were struggling to contain us. With 10 minutes to go and from the best move of the game (and maybe the season) we got our 3rd goal of the game. Cameron and Kris combined superbly to cross the ball to Snakey, who glanced the ball in the net giving their keeper no chance. What a goal for the Robins. In the dying minutes we scored our fourth goal, when a Ringwood defender blocked an effort by Ollie Davies on the line with his hand. The referee pointed to the spot again. This time Ollie Davies stepped up to put away the penalty and score his 27th goal of the season.
A superb result on the road against our neighbours. Thank you to our superb supporters again who out numbered the home crowd by 3 to 1. In a crowd of 98 , 72 were from Downton
Downton started to create chances but the ever impressive Ollie Plunkett, in the Ringwood goal, thwarted our every effort.
Finally, on the stroke of half time we got an equaliser from Shaun Prento Prentice, with his eleventh goal of the season. From a corner from Marcel Laptas, the ball was headed back by Kris to Prentice who controlled the ball and turned to strike it home.
Early in the second half, neither side created any chances. Just when you thought the game would end as a draw, a Ringwood player handled in the area which gave the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Kris stepped up to stroke home the penalty, sending Plunkett the wrong way. This goal killed Ringwood, as the confidence was at an all-time low after only 2 wins in their last 22 games. From this moment,the Robins went through the gears and our hosts were struggling to contain us. With 10 minutes to go and from the best move of the game (and maybe the season) we got our 3rd goal of the game. Cameron and Kris combined superbly to cross the ball to Snakey, who glanced the ball in the net giving their keeper no chance. What a goal for the Robins. In the dying minutes we scored our fourth goal, when a Ringwood defender blocked an effort by Ollie Davies on the line with his hand. The referee pointed to the spot again. This time Ollie Davies stepped up to put away the penalty and score his 27th goal of the season.
A superb result on the road against our neighbours. Thank you to our superb supporters again who out numbered the home crowd by 3 to 1. In a crowd of 98 , 72 were from Downton
WHITCHURCH UTD (A) - LOST 2 - 1
The Robins play off dreams sadly died here today when they lost to a side who have not won at home since last September . The Robins started brightly enough creating a few half chances in the early minutes of the game but the pitch was not allowing us to play our pass and move game .
Sam Howe had our best chance in the first half on 28 mins when his free kick was smartly saved by on loan Basingstoke Town Academy keeper Joel Halliday . The rest of the 1st half was played in the Whitchurch half but sadly we could not break down Jam Boys stubborn defence .
Half Time 0-0
Early in the second half the Robins started on the front front and created a number of good chances but sadly they were wasted . After 58 mins we had a goal disallowed for offside from a Sam Howe header . From the resulting free kick the JamBoys went right up the other end to score with their first real chance of the game . Ash Neal’s wand like left peg finds Dave Parry, who uses his strength to hold off the Sam Moss and slots the ball past Will Betts .
Sadly this goal on the break shocked the whole Robins side and with their recent dip in form the lack of confidence started to show on the pitch . With this our discipline started to go too with Sam Howe being sin bined for 10 minutes for dissent . It should have been 2-0 to Whitchurch minutes later when Alex Charlick’s cross field ball found Brett Denham, and only a goalline clearance from Tom Rafferty kept the score at 1-0.
Sadly with five minutes left Whitchurch scored their second goal when Brett Denham scored . Ash Neal doubles his assist tally of the afternoon when his long ball to Denham allows the prolific Goalscorer the chance to stroke past the Betts with his left foot.
Moments later the Robins gave themselves a chance to gain a point when we scored in the 88th minute from Sam Howe . Ollie Davies collected the ball and threaded a superb ball through to Sam who slotted the ball passed the oncoming keeper .
Sadly we could not find the equaliser but in all honestly we did not do enough to win the game . This recent slump in form has really affected the team and now given us a near on impossible task in reaching the play offs
Sam Howe had our best chance in the first half on 28 mins when his free kick was smartly saved by on loan Basingstoke Town Academy keeper Joel Halliday . The rest of the 1st half was played in the Whitchurch half but sadly we could not break down Jam Boys stubborn defence .
Half Time 0-0
Early in the second half the Robins started on the front front and created a number of good chances but sadly they were wasted . After 58 mins we had a goal disallowed for offside from a Sam Howe header . From the resulting free kick the JamBoys went right up the other end to score with their first real chance of the game . Ash Neal’s wand like left peg finds Dave Parry, who uses his strength to hold off the Sam Moss and slots the ball past Will Betts .
Sadly this goal on the break shocked the whole Robins side and with their recent dip in form the lack of confidence started to show on the pitch . With this our discipline started to go too with Sam Howe being sin bined for 10 minutes for dissent . It should have been 2-0 to Whitchurch minutes later when Alex Charlick’s cross field ball found Brett Denham, and only a goalline clearance from Tom Rafferty kept the score at 1-0.
Sadly with five minutes left Whitchurch scored their second goal when Brett Denham scored . Ash Neal doubles his assist tally of the afternoon when his long ball to Denham allows the prolific Goalscorer the chance to stroke past the Betts with his left foot.
Moments later the Robins gave themselves a chance to gain a point when we scored in the 88th minute from Sam Howe . Ollie Davies collected the ball and threaded a superb ball through to Sam who slotted the ball passed the oncoming keeper .
Sadly we could not find the equaliser but in all honestly we did not do enough to win the game . This recent slump in form has really affected the team and now given us a near on impossible task in reaching the play offs
ANDOVER NEW STREET (H) - LOST 0 - 1
This was the second meeting between the two clubs in little over a month, and the third this season and what was always going to be a difficult evening for Street was made more difficult by the unavailability on the night of three defenders – Shaun Dallimore, Scott Hassell and Eddie Perrett – for various reasons. Lee Morris slotted in seamlessly at left back with Harry Lawton moving back to partner skipper Matt Scott in the middle of the back four.
Street started the brighter and largely dominated the opening quarter of an hour but with nothing to show for their efforts and they were indebted to keeper Ben Rodwell for one quality save that kept the scores level. The home side came back into the game but chances were far and few between at both ends with Shane Lock wide from a Mikey Davis corner and the closest either side came to a goal was two minutes before the break when home goalkeeper Will Betts had to react quickly to avert an own goal after a wild attempted clearance from one of his defenders. But Street had perhaps enjoyed more of the possession in keeping the game scoreless.
The second half started with the home side, perhaps stirred by some “managerial speak” during the interval, very much quicker in to their stride and they missed the best chance of the game to date when Sam Howe blazed over the bar when it looked easier to score. Lawton cleared the ball off the line in a goalmouth scramble and as the half progressed the visitors were very much on the back foot. Robbie Owen replaced Davis and with fifteen minutes remaining it was Street who made the breakthrough. Owen’s corner from the left landed very close to the near post and ALEX DOCKREE reacted the quickest to force the ball over the line. Darrell Phillips replaced Ross Cook in a straight swap while Danny Field came on for Layton Tulk to add to the defence in the closing minutes. Rodwell produced another superb save and Betts saved from Shane Lock at the other end before the final whistle signalled a hard fought victory for Street and three valuable points.
This was a game that Downton probably felt they should have won but Street defensively blunted their high scoring forwards and all played their part though Rodwell showed again what a good keeper he is and Lawton never put a foot wrong at the back. Sometimes you have to “win ugly” and Street did that in a game that was well refereed without a single booking.
The win takes Street up to second place in the table, two points behind Newport – who scored three second half goals to beat Totton and Eling – with a game in hand.
Street started the brighter and largely dominated the opening quarter of an hour but with nothing to show for their efforts and they were indebted to keeper Ben Rodwell for one quality save that kept the scores level. The home side came back into the game but chances were far and few between at both ends with Shane Lock wide from a Mikey Davis corner and the closest either side came to a goal was two minutes before the break when home goalkeeper Will Betts had to react quickly to avert an own goal after a wild attempted clearance from one of his defenders. But Street had perhaps enjoyed more of the possession in keeping the game scoreless.
The second half started with the home side, perhaps stirred by some “managerial speak” during the interval, very much quicker in to their stride and they missed the best chance of the game to date when Sam Howe blazed over the bar when it looked easier to score. Lawton cleared the ball off the line in a goalmouth scramble and as the half progressed the visitors were very much on the back foot. Robbie Owen replaced Davis and with fifteen minutes remaining it was Street who made the breakthrough. Owen’s corner from the left landed very close to the near post and ALEX DOCKREE reacted the quickest to force the ball over the line. Darrell Phillips replaced Ross Cook in a straight swap while Danny Field came on for Layton Tulk to add to the defence in the closing minutes. Rodwell produced another superb save and Betts saved from Shane Lock at the other end before the final whistle signalled a hard fought victory for Street and three valuable points.
This was a game that Downton probably felt they should have won but Street defensively blunted their high scoring forwards and all played their part though Rodwell showed again what a good keeper he is and Lawton never put a foot wrong at the back. Sometimes you have to “win ugly” and Street did that in a game that was well refereed without a single booking.
The win takes Street up to second place in the table, two points behind Newport – who scored three second half goals to beat Totton and Eling – with a game in hand.
MILLBROOK (H) - LOST 2 - 1
A really disappointing result today for the Robins after such a superb result and performance on Tuesday night against Petersfield .
Maybe the lads turned up with the wrong frame of mind or slightly under-estimated Millbrook, but today’s performance was not at the levels expected. On a positive, we still have all to play for in our quest to make play-offs and retain the Wiltshire Senior Cup .
After an even and flat first 30 minutes, Millbrook opened their account when Leon Longhurst scored to put the hosts one nil up. We created a few half chances in the first half but nothing of real threat.
Half Time 1-0 Millbrook
Early in the 2nd half, our hosts doubled their lead when the impressive Lewis Colvin scored; giving us a mountain to climb.Smithy then started to make changes and brought on top goalscorer Kris Krysztofowicz and Sam Dible, returning from his road trip. This made an almost instant difference, as Shaun Prentice scored his 9th goal of the season for the Robins.
Sadly, the Robins could not find the equaliser in the last 25 minutes and the hosts held on for the 2-1 victory.
We must learn from today and put this result behind us as we host high-flying Andover New Street on Tuesday night at The Nest
Maybe the lads turned up with the wrong frame of mind or slightly under-estimated Millbrook, but today’s performance was not at the levels expected. On a positive, we still have all to play for in our quest to make play-offs and retain the Wiltshire Senior Cup .
After an even and flat first 30 minutes, Millbrook opened their account when Leon Longhurst scored to put the hosts one nil up. We created a few half chances in the first half but nothing of real threat.
Half Time 1-0 Millbrook
Early in the 2nd half, our hosts doubled their lead when the impressive Lewis Colvin scored; giving us a mountain to climb.Smithy then started to make changes and brought on top goalscorer Kris Krysztofowicz and Sam Dible, returning from his road trip. This made an almost instant difference, as Shaun Prentice scored his 9th goal of the season for the Robins.
Sadly, the Robins could not find the equaliser in the last 25 minutes and the hosts held on for the 2-1 victory.
We must learn from today and put this result behind us as we host high-flying Andover New Street on Tuesday night at The Nest
ANDOVER TOWN (H) - WON 4 - 1
TOTTON & ELING (H) - WON 1 - 0
DOWNTON, on the fringes of the promotion play-offs, entertained mid-table Totton & Eling who no longer have two of their key players from recent games – Adams and Obeng – available for selection writes Gary Day.
Downton started on the front foot and took the lead with a fine goal on just seven minutes when BUTLER cut in from the right and struck firm and low into goal via the inside of the far post. The Robins were on the ascendancy for a good while thereafter as the troublesome Butler put in a dangerous cross that Millers keeper Hare got down low to save. Wolfarth then fired just wide of the T&E goal from around 20-yards out. Narezzi tried to put in Ellis for the visitors but Clark defended well but the ball was soon back at the other end as Rafferty rose to head a Butler corner but just off the mark. Clark got forward and got his head to the ball before the keeper but it went wide. Late in the half Goodger was found by a long ball out of defence but the lone T&E frontman stumbled as he was shooting and the ball went wide.
Following some midfield sparring Downton introduced their top scorer Krysztofowicz around the hour mark. He injected some urgency into his side’s attack putting in a dangerous right-wing cross that Hare spilled but the chance was lost and then, from a questionable free kick in the home side’s favour, he received from Moseley and forced a good save from Hare. From the corner, Krysztofowicz was again involved, his shot was blocked and Butler’s follow-up went wide. From there Krysztofowicz was used in a more withdrawn role on the right-hand side and the Robins’ potency reduced as T&E enjoyed greater possession.
The visitors, still in the hunt for a point, played a bit further forward hereon as Narezzi, who was at the heart of their moves, forced home keeper Haviland to save, which was practically his only one of any note. It was clear that the visitors had struggled to give suitable support to their only striker though. A good Downton move saw Butler and Haensel involved and Moseley’s effort was well blocked. Fine play by Yeadon in laying the ball off to Narezzi but the T&E man shot wide. Downton held on despite losing Moseley in stoppage time due to a ‘sin bin’ offence.
Downton started on the front foot and took the lead with a fine goal on just seven minutes when BUTLER cut in from the right and struck firm and low into goal via the inside of the far post. The Robins were on the ascendancy for a good while thereafter as the troublesome Butler put in a dangerous cross that Millers keeper Hare got down low to save. Wolfarth then fired just wide of the T&E goal from around 20-yards out. Narezzi tried to put in Ellis for the visitors but Clark defended well but the ball was soon back at the other end as Rafferty rose to head a Butler corner but just off the mark. Clark got forward and got his head to the ball before the keeper but it went wide. Late in the half Goodger was found by a long ball out of defence but the lone T&E frontman stumbled as he was shooting and the ball went wide.
Following some midfield sparring Downton introduced their top scorer Krysztofowicz around the hour mark. He injected some urgency into his side’s attack putting in a dangerous right-wing cross that Hare spilled but the chance was lost and then, from a questionable free kick in the home side’s favour, he received from Moseley and forced a good save from Hare. From the corner, Krysztofowicz was again involved, his shot was blocked and Butler’s follow-up went wide. From there Krysztofowicz was used in a more withdrawn role on the right-hand side and the Robins’ potency reduced as T&E enjoyed greater possession.
The visitors, still in the hunt for a point, played a bit further forward hereon as Narezzi, who was at the heart of their moves, forced home keeper Haviland to save, which was practically his only one of any note. It was clear that the visitors had struggled to give suitable support to their only striker though. A good Downton move saw Butler and Haensel involved and Moseley’s effort was well blocked. Fine play by Yeadon in laying the ball off to Narezzi but the T&E man shot wide. Downton held on despite losing Moseley in stoppage time due to a ‘sin bin’ offence.
HAMWORTHY REC (A) - LOST 3 - 1
Another vital win for Rec in their quest for a play-off spot. As expected, Downton provided stern opposition, but an excellent all-round performance clinched the win. Two more goals from Chris Long takes him to 26 for the season - his second an absolute “worldy” !
Rec started well and John Webb had the first chance with a shot from distance crashing against the bar. James King’s left-foot attempt was blocked and Brad Hill’s dangerous cross was diverted for a corner, on 12m. From the corner Rec went in front - the ball falling nicely through the crowded area for WEBB to bundle in from close-range, to put Rec on their way.
The hosts were playing some impressive football and the Downton defence did well to prevent them from adding to the lead. Frank Rosenwald, Ollie Wilson and Chris Long all saw chances saved. Downton’s first real chance was a header from a corner mid-way through the half, which went high over Reece Mitchell’s goal.
The Robins had stuck to their task and forced their way back into the match and on 43m the were level. BRAD curled in a clever shot from the edge of the area, just inside the post, to make it 1-1.
But Rec were back in front, from the re-start. LONG gathered the ball, controlled well and hit an unstoppable goal of the season contender beyond Betts, in the Robins goal, to give the crowd a half-time talking point. HT 2-1.
Downton started the second half on the front foot and were denying Rec the space they had in the first, but the home defence were doing their job and denying the visitors any real chances. Rec’s attacks were spasmodic - Hill’s turn and shot was saved and Ash Boyt’s shot from distance was diverted for a corner.
But on 74m Rec scored the decisive third goal. Rosenwald played a cross-field ball to King, who drilled in a low cross and there was LONG to slide the ball beyond Betts, for 3-1.
Downton were far from beaten and Mitchell saved well before Gulliver missed a great chance for the Robins, blazing wide from in front of goal. Five minutes from time the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside and right at the death a free-kick from distance was saved by Mitchell. FT 3-1.
Another entertaining game in front of a good crowd.
Rec started well and John Webb had the first chance with a shot from distance crashing against the bar. James King’s left-foot attempt was blocked and Brad Hill’s dangerous cross was diverted for a corner, on 12m. From the corner Rec went in front - the ball falling nicely through the crowded area for WEBB to bundle in from close-range, to put Rec on their way.
The hosts were playing some impressive football and the Downton defence did well to prevent them from adding to the lead. Frank Rosenwald, Ollie Wilson and Chris Long all saw chances saved. Downton’s first real chance was a header from a corner mid-way through the half, which went high over Reece Mitchell’s goal.
The Robins had stuck to their task and forced their way back into the match and on 43m the were level. BRAD curled in a clever shot from the edge of the area, just inside the post, to make it 1-1.
But Rec were back in front, from the re-start. LONG gathered the ball, controlled well and hit an unstoppable goal of the season contender beyond Betts, in the Robins goal, to give the crowd a half-time talking point. HT 2-1.
Downton started the second half on the front foot and were denying Rec the space they had in the first, but the home defence were doing their job and denying the visitors any real chances. Rec’s attacks were spasmodic - Hill’s turn and shot was saved and Ash Boyt’s shot from distance was diverted for a corner.
But on 74m Rec scored the decisive third goal. Rosenwald played a cross-field ball to King, who drilled in a low cross and there was LONG to slide the ball beyond Betts, for 3-1.
Downton were far from beaten and Mitchell saved well before Gulliver missed a great chance for the Robins, blazing wide from in front of goal. Five minutes from time the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside and right at the death a free-kick from distance was saved by Mitchell. FT 3-1.
Another entertaining game in front of a good crowd.
ANDOVER NEW STREET (A) - LOST 3 - 1
Andover New Street made it six points gained in four days with this win over fifth place Downton on a chilly evening at Foxcotte Park.
The evening commenced with a minute’s applause in memory of long time Club stalwart Andy Murphy, who passed away recently. Andy, along with his son Steve, a former manager, contributed greatly to the Club over many years.
Street’s side showed changes from Saturday with Harry Beckley and Aaron Moore missing through service duties and while Josh Moore has moved to Andover Town, Leyton Tulk, formerly with Bemerton, made his debut in the front three. Street started off kicking up the slope and won an early corner through Mikey Davis before the visitors took play to the other end with a quick break that saw a shot blocked and a low cross from Ollie Davies pass untouched across the area. Ross Cook was wide with the home side’s first effort on goal before Shaun Dallimore collected an early caution for a challenge on the edge of the area that did not look particularly wayward. Ben Rodwell tipped the free kick over the bar. Downton were awarded a throw by the Assistant after they had put the ball in touch and a couple of challenges caused some debate but things quickly settled down. A Cook pass sent Davis away on the right but weight of numbers told and both clubs were finding it difficult to get a clear sight of goal. Ollie Davies was a constant threat on the Downton left but it was Street who broke the deadlock with some ten minutes of the half remaining. Tulk slid the ball down the inside left channel and ROSS COOK, so strong in those situations, shrugged off his marker and drove the ball high in to the roof of the net, Downton replies with a good run from Marcel Laptas but the shot was too high and it was the home side who led at the break.
After an early Downton corner came to nothing Street enjoyed a spell of pressure and increased their lead inside the first fifteen minutes. A Davis free kick was well saved by Rodwell before, at the other end, Tulk was bought down on the edge of the area but the defence dealt with the free kick. ROSS COOK won the ball on the right, his persistence took him into the area and his shot went across goalkeeper Will BETTS and inside the far post. Matt Scott replaced Dallimore and Cook was too high with another free kick before the visitors reduced the lead. Substitute Sam Howe, very close to being offside, broke clear on the left and his pace took him in to the area and Rodwell had little chance with the shot. Game on! Alex Dockree replaced Mikey Davis and was promptly flattened on the edge of the “D” by a challenge that bordered on cynical. Betts could not hold the free kick from Cook but his defence came to his rescue. Rodwell again denied Davies before a clever Shane Lock pass provided Cook with a chance but Betts was quickly off his line to deny the striker his hat trick. The pace on the Downton left was a constant danger but the home side saw the game out with Cook firstly crowded out and then slotting the ball past Betts only to find the offside flag was already raised.
This was an enjoyable game in which both sides played their part. Downton have a record of playing well at Street and tonight was no exception but the home defence stood firm to ensure that the three points stayed at home. Three valuable points as well given that New Milton, Newport, and Petersfield all won on the night – and the pitch played superbly all evening.
The evening commenced with a minute’s applause in memory of long time Club stalwart Andy Murphy, who passed away recently. Andy, along with his son Steve, a former manager, contributed greatly to the Club over many years.
Street’s side showed changes from Saturday with Harry Beckley and Aaron Moore missing through service duties and while Josh Moore has moved to Andover Town, Leyton Tulk, formerly with Bemerton, made his debut in the front three. Street started off kicking up the slope and won an early corner through Mikey Davis before the visitors took play to the other end with a quick break that saw a shot blocked and a low cross from Ollie Davies pass untouched across the area. Ross Cook was wide with the home side’s first effort on goal before Shaun Dallimore collected an early caution for a challenge on the edge of the area that did not look particularly wayward. Ben Rodwell tipped the free kick over the bar. Downton were awarded a throw by the Assistant after they had put the ball in touch and a couple of challenges caused some debate but things quickly settled down. A Cook pass sent Davis away on the right but weight of numbers told and both clubs were finding it difficult to get a clear sight of goal. Ollie Davies was a constant threat on the Downton left but it was Street who broke the deadlock with some ten minutes of the half remaining. Tulk slid the ball down the inside left channel and ROSS COOK, so strong in those situations, shrugged off his marker and drove the ball high in to the roof of the net, Downton replies with a good run from Marcel Laptas but the shot was too high and it was the home side who led at the break.
After an early Downton corner came to nothing Street enjoyed a spell of pressure and increased their lead inside the first fifteen minutes. A Davis free kick was well saved by Rodwell before, at the other end, Tulk was bought down on the edge of the area but the defence dealt with the free kick. ROSS COOK won the ball on the right, his persistence took him into the area and his shot went across goalkeeper Will BETTS and inside the far post. Matt Scott replaced Dallimore and Cook was too high with another free kick before the visitors reduced the lead. Substitute Sam Howe, very close to being offside, broke clear on the left and his pace took him in to the area and Rodwell had little chance with the shot. Game on! Alex Dockree replaced Mikey Davis and was promptly flattened on the edge of the “D” by a challenge that bordered on cynical. Betts could not hold the free kick from Cook but his defence came to his rescue. Rodwell again denied Davies before a clever Shane Lock pass provided Cook with a chance but Betts was quickly off his line to deny the striker his hat trick. The pace on the Downton left was a constant danger but the home side saw the game out with Cook firstly crowded out and then slotting the ball past Betts only to find the offside flag was already raised.
This was an enjoyable game in which both sides played their part. Downton have a record of playing well at Street and tonight was no exception but the home defence stood firm to ensure that the three points stayed at home. Three valuable points as well given that New Milton, Newport, and Petersfield all won on the night – and the pitch played superbly all evening.
FAWLEY AFC (A) - DRAW 3 - 3
What a crazy 90 minutes at The Eight Wealth Arena this afternoon.
The Oilers found themselves 3-0 down in less than 30 minutes. To say things were looking bad would be an understatement. Downton were slick, organised and a real threat every attack. Fawley simply couldn’t do anything right and Downton were purring.
A mini revival in the last 10 minutes first half saw Fawley get into the game a bit, not pretty but also pulled one back after hartigan hit the bar, KNIGHT headed home from yards out.
Second half Fawley came out much better, putting in the challenges and you could tell wanted to improve. However it was Downton who should have scored and perhaps killed the game off, missing a couple glorious chances.
Fawley were better, but not dangerous, yet.
Adam Davis was introduced and offered pace in behind, changed everything. He netted soon after coming on as well tucking away a Dylan Knight low cross.
Downton were still creating chances and again missed a couple sitters, really kicking themselves.
93rd minute and KNIGHT tries his luck about 25 or so yards out, it was an effort that no one knew where it was going, in slow motion almost, suddenly dropped into the top left bracket and the fawley faithful erupted!
A game and result which shows no matter what is thrown at the club, there’s a core of hard work, commitment and never say die attitude which keeps them ticking along.
From an Oiler perspective, a great point to kick things off for caretaker, Lee Shepherd back in the dugout, felt like a win.
Downton, should have won and were punished for missing so many guilt edged chances in that second half. A harsh experience and points dropped.
The Oilers found themselves 3-0 down in less than 30 minutes. To say things were looking bad would be an understatement. Downton were slick, organised and a real threat every attack. Fawley simply couldn’t do anything right and Downton were purring.
A mini revival in the last 10 minutes first half saw Fawley get into the game a bit, not pretty but also pulled one back after hartigan hit the bar, KNIGHT headed home from yards out.
Second half Fawley came out much better, putting in the challenges and you could tell wanted to improve. However it was Downton who should have scored and perhaps killed the game off, missing a couple glorious chances.
Fawley were better, but not dangerous, yet.
Adam Davis was introduced and offered pace in behind, changed everything. He netted soon after coming on as well tucking away a Dylan Knight low cross.
Downton were still creating chances and again missed a couple sitters, really kicking themselves.
93rd minute and KNIGHT tries his luck about 25 or so yards out, it was an effort that no one knew where it was going, in slow motion almost, suddenly dropped into the top left bracket and the fawley faithful erupted!
A game and result which shows no matter what is thrown at the club, there’s a core of hard work, commitment and never say die attitude which keeps them ticking along.
From an Oiler perspective, a great point to kick things off for caretaker, Lee Shepherd back in the dugout, felt like a win.
Downton, should have won and were punished for missing so many guilt edged chances in that second half. A harsh experience and points dropped.
VERWOOD TOWN (A) - DRAW 0 - 0
Mason and McHale opened up Downton in the first minute with an attack down the left. Downton’s defenders blocked a shot from the edge of the area and countered quickly giving Davis a first touch with an interception across the box. The game continued at a fast pace with both sides intent on attacking football. Phillips was tested with 10 minutes gone and displayed safe hands taking the ball from under the bar.
Carswell and McWilliams shook off defender’s shackles to set up Joe Smith for a shot. The side netting was the recipient. Play for a while was confined to the central areas where Storey and Cam Smith excelled. Joe Smith went close on 18 minutes and 5 minutes later McWilliams grazed the upright with the keeper beaten. Just before the whistle Burpitt and McWilliams had shots saved but there was no added pressure on the keeper before half time. Downton spent the first couple minutes in our third. Good football tested our back four but on the day we were tight knit.
Tempers frayed slightly and Mason received a yellow for a ‘strong’ tackle with only 4 minutes gone. Then we were shocked as Davis received a Red !!! The decision for a verbal challenge on the decision left us with ten men for the next 41 minutes. The character of the side then came through.
Downton pushed on. We re adjusted and although under the cosh for a while we hit back with good quality football and on numerous counters had the Downton rearguard on the back foot. On 12 minutes Fishlock came on for Burpitt then on 24 minutes Joe Smith upset the Ref and was despatched to the Sin Bin.!!! Down to 9 men. Resilience was immense. A great fighting spirit and although under intense pressure we kept a clean sheet with Phillips proving his abilities and grabbing man of the match. It was a nail biting finish containing 5 extra minutes but we were rewarded with a well deserved point.
Carswell and McWilliams shook off defender’s shackles to set up Joe Smith for a shot. The side netting was the recipient. Play for a while was confined to the central areas where Storey and Cam Smith excelled. Joe Smith went close on 18 minutes and 5 minutes later McWilliams grazed the upright with the keeper beaten. Just before the whistle Burpitt and McWilliams had shots saved but there was no added pressure on the keeper before half time. Downton spent the first couple minutes in our third. Good football tested our back four but on the day we were tight knit.
Tempers frayed slightly and Mason received a yellow for a ‘strong’ tackle with only 4 minutes gone. Then we were shocked as Davis received a Red !!! The decision for a verbal challenge on the decision left us with ten men for the next 41 minutes. The character of the side then came through.
Downton pushed on. We re adjusted and although under the cosh for a while we hit back with good quality football and on numerous counters had the Downton rearguard on the back foot. On 12 minutes Fishlock came on for Burpitt then on 24 minutes Joe Smith upset the Ref and was despatched to the Sin Bin.!!! Down to 9 men. Resilience was immense. A great fighting spirit and although under intense pressure we kept a clean sheet with Phillips proving his abilities and grabbing man of the match. It was a nail biting finish containing 5 extra minutes but we were rewarded with a well deserved point.
RINGWOOD TOWN (H) - WON 2 - 1
NEWPORT IOW (A) - LOST 2 - 0
Match Report was written by Jenny Holmes from Newport IOW FC . Thank you to Jenny for report.
Following a well earned 3 points on Tuesday night against Ash, Newport welcomed Downton to Smallbrook today, the team sitting just a place below us as things stood this morning. A certain little lady was keen to pull on her footy shirt and join me for the game today, and I’m so proud to say she is becoming a chip off the block when it comes to sharing her opinions with the ref…. She even asked me to explain the off side rule to her, but I thought I might save that for when I have a few props to help demonstrate…!
It was a relatively quiet opening 15 or so minutes, with some end to end stuff. Newport stepped things up a gear from then however, and were hugely unfortunate not to score a succession of chances first half. On 21 mins George and Yak linked up well to play in Jordy, whose shot was blocked. Josh then won the ball well, the keeper collecting his effort on goal. On 33 mins Jordy was involved again as his close range effort couldn’t quite find the net. He then set up Connor who went sprinting down the right, only to be completely upended by a Downton player (clearly humiliated he couldn’t match his pace) who was rightly carded for his foul. The subsequent free kick skirted agonisingly across the goal mouth, captain Ryan at the far post just unable to connect with the ball and put us deservedly one up. The keeper then pulled off a good stop to keep the scores level, before Connor ran in on goal again, just shooting over.
At the other end our defence was looking as rock solid as ever; Scott and Ryan have fast become a formidable force, the latter winning and clearing the ball back superbly as Downton bore down on goal just before half time. As the whistle went to signify the end of the first 45 you could sense there was definitely a goal coming for Newport. Our opponents hadn’t done much first half and this one was there for the taking. Clearly the lads were thinking the same, as with less than ten mins of the second half played Yak had hit the crossbar and Craggers had put the ball in the net, only for the linesman to flag for offside. Moments later however, the ball was in the net again, and this time it stood, Josh setting up Jordy perfectly for a fantastic low header that shot past the keeper and sent us fans wild. Ten minutes later and Jordy was involved again, desperately trying to latch onto a Connor cross but just not quite connecting cleanly.
Yak was then subbed following a nose bleed, a real shame for him as he had been having a cracking game. However, with Raff replacing him you knew we would be in for more of the same fight, and so it proved. With time ticking on, Downton were pushing for an equaliser and whilst I can confidently say now that we never really looked troubled, at the time I was praying for a second. Those fickle gods of football were smiling on us today as Connor set Raff up for a great second, smashed into the bottom left from the edge of the box. As the injury time minutes ticked on, and on, and on, and on, and on, I imagine I would have been close to keeling over if we hadn’t got that second. As it was, we coasted to full time and absolutely deserved the win today.
Following a well earned 3 points on Tuesday night against Ash, Newport welcomed Downton to Smallbrook today, the team sitting just a place below us as things stood this morning. A certain little lady was keen to pull on her footy shirt and join me for the game today, and I’m so proud to say she is becoming a chip off the block when it comes to sharing her opinions with the ref…. She even asked me to explain the off side rule to her, but I thought I might save that for when I have a few props to help demonstrate…!
It was a relatively quiet opening 15 or so minutes, with some end to end stuff. Newport stepped things up a gear from then however, and were hugely unfortunate not to score a succession of chances first half. On 21 mins George and Yak linked up well to play in Jordy, whose shot was blocked. Josh then won the ball well, the keeper collecting his effort on goal. On 33 mins Jordy was involved again as his close range effort couldn’t quite find the net. He then set up Connor who went sprinting down the right, only to be completely upended by a Downton player (clearly humiliated he couldn’t match his pace) who was rightly carded for his foul. The subsequent free kick skirted agonisingly across the goal mouth, captain Ryan at the far post just unable to connect with the ball and put us deservedly one up. The keeper then pulled off a good stop to keep the scores level, before Connor ran in on goal again, just shooting over.
At the other end our defence was looking as rock solid as ever; Scott and Ryan have fast become a formidable force, the latter winning and clearing the ball back superbly as Downton bore down on goal just before half time. As the whistle went to signify the end of the first 45 you could sense there was definitely a goal coming for Newport. Our opponents hadn’t done much first half and this one was there for the taking. Clearly the lads were thinking the same, as with less than ten mins of the second half played Yak had hit the crossbar and Craggers had put the ball in the net, only for the linesman to flag for offside. Moments later however, the ball was in the net again, and this time it stood, Josh setting up Jordy perfectly for a fantastic low header that shot past the keeper and sent us fans wild. Ten minutes later and Jordy was involved again, desperately trying to latch onto a Connor cross but just not quite connecting cleanly.
Yak was then subbed following a nose bleed, a real shame for him as he had been having a cracking game. However, with Raff replacing him you knew we would be in for more of the same fight, and so it proved. With time ticking on, Downton were pushing for an equaliser and whilst I can confidently say now that we never really looked troubled, at the time I was praying for a second. Those fickle gods of football were smiling on us today as Connor set Raff up for a great second, smashed into the bottom left from the edge of the box. As the injury time minutes ticked on, and on, and on, and on, and on, I imagine I would have been close to keeling over if we hadn’t got that second. As it was, we coasted to full time and absolutely deserved the win today.
ROMSEY TOWN (A) - WON 0 - 3
Romsey’s recent run of wretched home form continued last Saturday when promotion contenders Downton completed a league double over their hosts with a convincing 3-0 victory. There was an element of good fortune to Downton’s two first half goals as the visitors inflicted Town’s fourth consecutive home league defeat, that sees the club languishing in the lower half of the Division One table, writes Tony Galsworthy.
The swirling wind and driving rain, that started almost on cue as the sides kicked off, may have contributed to the Bypass Boys conceding a goal in the fourth minute directly from a free kick near the left touchline. Robins’s winger Cam Butler floated the ball towards the far post and its flight deceived Town ‘keeper Nathan Bridges as it curled beyond his despairing punch and into the net.
Despite this setback, Town showed greater effort and desire than of late as they sought an equaliser, with Will Johnson providing a pinpoint cross that Charlie Hawes headed just over the bar. Next midfield general Owen Holloway, who had picked an early yellow card for a lunging challenge, drove a long range effort inches over. The Robins almost doubled their lead when Bridges made a point blank save from a header and in the ensuing melee Town were grateful to hack the ball off the line when a goal seemed certain. This was just a brief reprieve though as the ever dangerous Prentice fed the ball through to Wolfarth but Prisk’s attempted clearance cannoned off the attacker and past the helpless Bridges for Downton’s second goal in the 30th minute.
Brad Strickland almost connected with Hawes’s low driven cross to the back post, but a timely interception saw a corner conceded, from which Dunn produced a cross that almost crept under the bar before being clawed away by ‘keeper Will Betts in the final action of note in the first half.
Undaunted by their misfortune Romsey started the second half brightly and Strickland ought to have halved the deficit when unmarked he headed wide from Holloway’s cross. A deep cross saw Betts misjudge the flight of the ball and Hawes steered an effort goalwards but again the visitors’ defence held firm and diverted his effort away for a corner. But Romsey’s superiority counted for nought when Davies picked out Rafferty with a cross that the defender headed firmly past Bridges midway through the half. Shortly after the referee was taken ill and had to leave the field as an ambulance was summoned. It is understood he is now recovering, and the League commended the rapid response to the incident from the club, who also thanked the support provided by two off duty medical professionals in the crowd.
There was a lengthy delay before the senior assistant referee took over and the match resumed, but there was no further goalmouth incident to report as it reached its conclusion with understandably the players’ and spectators’ minds elsewhere in the circumstances. Despite playing some neat passing football Town’s lack of a cutting edge in the final third saw their attacking endeavours either stifled by the Robins’ defence or the few clearcut chances they created were wasted. In contrast the visitors were ever dangerous in attack and resolute in defence with a performance that endorsed their promotion credentials.
The swirling wind and driving rain, that started almost on cue as the sides kicked off, may have contributed to the Bypass Boys conceding a goal in the fourth minute directly from a free kick near the left touchline. Robins’s winger Cam Butler floated the ball towards the far post and its flight deceived Town ‘keeper Nathan Bridges as it curled beyond his despairing punch and into the net.
Despite this setback, Town showed greater effort and desire than of late as they sought an equaliser, with Will Johnson providing a pinpoint cross that Charlie Hawes headed just over the bar. Next midfield general Owen Holloway, who had picked an early yellow card for a lunging challenge, drove a long range effort inches over. The Robins almost doubled their lead when Bridges made a point blank save from a header and in the ensuing melee Town were grateful to hack the ball off the line when a goal seemed certain. This was just a brief reprieve though as the ever dangerous Prentice fed the ball through to Wolfarth but Prisk’s attempted clearance cannoned off the attacker and past the helpless Bridges for Downton’s second goal in the 30th minute.
Brad Strickland almost connected with Hawes’s low driven cross to the back post, but a timely interception saw a corner conceded, from which Dunn produced a cross that almost crept under the bar before being clawed away by ‘keeper Will Betts in the final action of note in the first half.
Undaunted by their misfortune Romsey started the second half brightly and Strickland ought to have halved the deficit when unmarked he headed wide from Holloway’s cross. A deep cross saw Betts misjudge the flight of the ball and Hawes steered an effort goalwards but again the visitors’ defence held firm and diverted his effort away for a corner. But Romsey’s superiority counted for nought when Davies picked out Rafferty with a cross that the defender headed firmly past Bridges midway through the half. Shortly after the referee was taken ill and had to leave the field as an ambulance was summoned. It is understood he is now recovering, and the League commended the rapid response to the incident from the club, who also thanked the support provided by two off duty medical professionals in the crowd.
There was a lengthy delay before the senior assistant referee took over and the match resumed, but there was no further goalmouth incident to report as it reached its conclusion with understandably the players’ and spectators’ minds elsewhere in the circumstances. Despite playing some neat passing football Town’s lack of a cutting edge in the final third saw their attacking endeavours either stifled by the Robins’ defence or the few clearcut chances they created were wasted. In contrast the visitors were ever dangerous in attack and resolute in defence with a performance that endorsed their promotion credentials.
ANDOVER TOWN (A) - DRAW 2 - 2
What a game at Portway Stadium - both sides going at it all game (which either side could have won) but a point was fairly gained by both sides. On a cold evening in Hampshire a large away following were treated to a positive start by the Robins, with them creating numerous half-chances. Sadly we fell behind to Andover in the 12th minute when the ever-dangerous David Gerrard was at the end of a cross by Ben Emans to tuck the ball narrowly past Will Betts.
We then battered the hosts with chance after chance being created by the Robins. In the 20th minute, a superb run and cross by Ollie Davies was cut back to Cameron Butler who somehow missed the target from 10 yards out. This did not deter the Robins, as minutes later, Leon Carbayo-Borges burst through down the right flank, just as he was going to pull the trigger an Andover defender blocked his effort on goal. On the 30th minute, Theo Wolfarth had a rasping effort fly just over the bar from 25 yards out.
It was only a matter of time before we equalised and it came in the 35th minute from an unlikely scorer. A superb cross by Ollie Davies was met at the far post by the superb Ryan Osman to tick away his first goal for the club. Ozzy has been superb for the club since he signed in the summer from Alderbury.
Just before half time, the Robins would be leading the game when the inspired Shaun Prentice scored his 6th goal of the season after only seven appearances. Prento met a cross again from Ollie Davies at the far post to bury his shot to the delight of the travelling Robins faithful.Sadly, a lack of concentration at the back allowed Andover to equalise with the last kick of the half. Ben Emans crossed the ball for young Ryan Griffiths to stroke the ball home. What a half of football- the second half produced no more goals sadly but both sides created numerous chances.
The Robin’s best chances fell to Prentice, Rafferty and Davies. Tonight was a game we could not afford to lose so a point was a good result for the Robins and with a bit more luck and composure we could have returned to the Nest with all three.
We then battered the hosts with chance after chance being created by the Robins. In the 20th minute, a superb run and cross by Ollie Davies was cut back to Cameron Butler who somehow missed the target from 10 yards out. This did not deter the Robins, as minutes later, Leon Carbayo-Borges burst through down the right flank, just as he was going to pull the trigger an Andover defender blocked his effort on goal. On the 30th minute, Theo Wolfarth had a rasping effort fly just over the bar from 25 yards out.
It was only a matter of time before we equalised and it came in the 35th minute from an unlikely scorer. A superb cross by Ollie Davies was met at the far post by the superb Ryan Osman to tick away his first goal for the club. Ozzy has been superb for the club since he signed in the summer from Alderbury.
Just before half time, the Robins would be leading the game when the inspired Shaun Prentice scored his 6th goal of the season after only seven appearances. Prento met a cross again from Ollie Davies at the far post to bury his shot to the delight of the travelling Robins faithful.Sadly, a lack of concentration at the back allowed Andover to equalise with the last kick of the half. Ben Emans crossed the ball for young Ryan Griffiths to stroke the ball home. What a half of football- the second half produced no more goals sadly but both sides created numerous chances.
The Robin’s best chances fell to Prentice, Rafferty and Davies. Tonight was a game we could not afford to lose so a point was a good result for the Robins and with a bit more luck and composure we could have returned to the Nest with all three.
WHITCHURCH UTD (H) - WON 0 - 3
The Robins came into today’s game on the back of two very tough results and performances against 2 of the league’s bigger clubs. Today’s game was massive in terms of result . We needed to get back to winning form today and thankfully the lads produced a good all-round performance and got the 3 points. Smithy brought back a few regulars today after resting them on Wednesday night in the Cup. It was great to have Ryan Osman, Joe Rawkins, Clarky and Tyson. We started the game on the front foot against a young Whitchurch side. Shaun Prentice and TJ Moseley’s pace and movement was causing them issues at the back and both had early half-chances to put us into the lead. Unfortunately, both efforts went just wide.
In the 30th minute, we finally opened our account when Ollie Davies crossed the ball to Shaun ‘Prento‘ Prentice at the edge of the box. Shaun turned with the ball and lashed it home from 20 yards, giving the keeper no chance in the goal. What a goal from Shaun!🔥🔥🔥 A few minutes later, Shaun was put clean through on goal. Sadly, his effort was smothered by the advancing Halliday in the Jam Boys’ goal. Just before half time, Shaun saw another effort go just wide as Whitchurch were struggling to deal with him.
Early in the 2nd half, an inviting cross by Cameron Butler was met at the far post by Prentice to head the Robins into a two goal lead. TJ then had a great chance to put us 3-0 up when he was put clean through. Sadly, TJ’s effort hit the side netting. The visitors then started to get a small foot hold in the game, with the ever-dangerous Brett Denham causing us a few issues at the back. He has been a superb forward over the years for clubs like Tadley etc and had a couple of efforts on goal, but Will Betts was equal to both of them.
Finally, Ozzy broke free in the 65th minute down the left wing and he danced his way to the bye line. He left 2 defenders for dead to cross the ball to Tom Rafferty, who smashed the ball home when he hit the roof of the net with his effort. 3-0 to the Robins now and we were coasting to victory. We started to make changes to the team to give a few a rest before Tuesday’s massive game at Andover Town.
From a corner in the 75th minute, substitute Sam Moss rose like a salmon to connect with a lovely cross from Cameron Butler. Sadly, Mossy’s effort struck the post and went behind for a goal kick. The final few minutes of the game petered out to a midfield battle. The team can be proud of their response today and must now build on this to put together a string of results to keep us at the top end of the league.
In the 30th minute, we finally opened our account when Ollie Davies crossed the ball to Shaun ‘Prento‘ Prentice at the edge of the box. Shaun turned with the ball and lashed it home from 20 yards, giving the keeper no chance in the goal. What a goal from Shaun!🔥🔥🔥 A few minutes later, Shaun was put clean through on goal. Sadly, his effort was smothered by the advancing Halliday in the Jam Boys’ goal. Just before half time, Shaun saw another effort go just wide as Whitchurch were struggling to deal with him.
Early in the 2nd half, an inviting cross by Cameron Butler was met at the far post by Prentice to head the Robins into a two goal lead. TJ then had a great chance to put us 3-0 up when he was put clean through. Sadly, TJ’s effort hit the side netting. The visitors then started to get a small foot hold in the game, with the ever-dangerous Brett Denham causing us a few issues at the back. He has been a superb forward over the years for clubs like Tadley etc and had a couple of efforts on goal, but Will Betts was equal to both of them.
Finally, Ozzy broke free in the 65th minute down the left wing and he danced his way to the bye line. He left 2 defenders for dead to cross the ball to Tom Rafferty, who smashed the ball home when he hit the roof of the net with his effort. 3-0 to the Robins now and we were coasting to victory. We started to make changes to the team to give a few a rest before Tuesday’s massive game at Andover Town.
From a corner in the 75th minute, substitute Sam Moss rose like a salmon to connect with a lovely cross from Cameron Butler. Sadly, Mossy’s effort struck the post and went behind for a goal kick. The final few minutes of the game petered out to a midfield battle. The team can be proud of their response today and must now build on this to put together a string of results to keep us at the top end of the league.
ANDOVER NEW STREET (H) - LOST 0 - 3
Andover New Street moved in to the last eight of the Wessex League Cup with a convincing win over promotion candidates Downton at Wick Lane. With a much changed side including new signing Shaun Dallimore – hopefully more later - and some members of the successful Swifts side, Street were two ahead at the break thanks to goals from Harry Lawton and Shane Lock before an own goal some twenty minutes from time made the game safe.
Street become the seventh side to reach the quarter finals. Joining Fareham Town, Fleetlands, AFC Stoneham, Petersfield, Shaftesbury and Baffin Milton Rovers. The eighth place will be filled by the winners of the twice postponed tie between Andover Town and Hamble Club, now due to be played on December 13th
The only highlight for the Robins was the debut of 17 year old Archie Ingram . Archie has been superb for the 18s and Reserve sides this season and was awarded with a substitute appearance in the 2nd Half.
Street become the seventh side to reach the quarter finals. Joining Fareham Town, Fleetlands, AFC Stoneham, Petersfield, Shaftesbury and Baffin Milton Rovers. The eighth place will be filled by the winners of the twice postponed tie between Andover Town and Hamble Club, now due to be played on December 13th
The only highlight for the Robins was the debut of 17 year old Archie Ingram . Archie has been superb for the 18s and Reserve sides this season and was awarded with a substitute appearance in the 2nd Half.
NEW MILTON TOWN (H) - LOST 0 - 4
Match Report from A Groundhopper who visited club against New Milton
Pitstop at Andover where the Saturday market was in full swing enticing me to buy a couple of items. Parking was a bit of a nightmare as the town centre seems to be very popular. Having found a space, £1.40 for two hours (using a parking app) was good value although £1 without the app was even better value. I arrived at Downton after navigating (via my SatNav) through the back streets around a congested Salisbury centre, in good time to select a parking space. The man at the entrance told me that, as the Treasurer hadn’t yet arrived, he couldn’t accept any payment unless I had the correct money so 20 minutes was spent in the well-appointed clubhouse watching a ladies Futsal match on the big screen. Is that just a posh version of 5-a-side? Eventually I took my place in the stand in line with the halfway line with only a floodlight pylon and a roof support restricting my view. The dugouts are opposite the stand which consists of 4 rows of long bench-type seats (the stand not the dugouts). The pitch is fully railed with two sides lined with trees and the near goal is sited at the rear of the Sports Centre.
The teams were the top two in the division and, as expected, the game started at a frantic pace with possession changing frequently. I prefer this to the dozens of possession-passes played at walking pace. However, New Milton looked by far the better side from the off. They were physically superior and much quicker and more aggressive in a fair manner. They challenged for every ball and their forwards did their fair share of pressing throughout the game. They took the lead after about 5 minutes when a cross from the left wasn’t dealt with strongly enough, allowing the No 8 to step in and side foot the ball in from the edge of the penalty area. There then followed a couple of Yellow cards for two Downton players which didn’t meet with the approval of the mature spectators around me. They gave the referee some stick and planned to boo him at the interval. Their anger was increased when one of the home players was red-carded after about 30 minutes. I, like many others, had followed the flight of the ball which was cleared by the New Milton left back on the far side, only to have our attention drawn back to the referee who was whistling frantically, surrounded by a group of New Milton players. One of the players confirmed to the supporters after half-time that the No 10 had been sent off for “kicking” – presumably his opponent.
Just before the half, New Milton added a second after the keeper failed to hold a corner kick and the No 5 tapped the ball in. There was some suspicion that the keeper had been pushed while in mid-air. It certainly looked like that from where I was. The second half started as the first with both teams going at it. However, Downton looked a little lightweight and came second in most challenges. Their centre forward was so slight that he was no match for the stronger defenders. However, they seemed to be making some progress when tragedy struck. The No 6 in the left-back position, under pressure, turned and played a blind square pass to his keeper. The New Milton forward intercepted it and after a couple of attempts, scored. No.6’s reward – immediate substitution. A fourth goal was scored, but for the life of me, I can’t remember how. Probably by being distracted by, what appeared to be, a serious injury to a New Milton player on the far side. After a being dispossessed, he collapsed in agony and as play continued a couple of his teammates ignored the play and rushed to his assistance before the referee stopped play. “Get up” shouted one of the spectators near me and was soon left red-faced when a stretcher was call for.
Pitstop at Andover where the Saturday market was in full swing enticing me to buy a couple of items. Parking was a bit of a nightmare as the town centre seems to be very popular. Having found a space, £1.40 for two hours (using a parking app) was good value although £1 without the app was even better value. I arrived at Downton after navigating (via my SatNav) through the back streets around a congested Salisbury centre, in good time to select a parking space. The man at the entrance told me that, as the Treasurer hadn’t yet arrived, he couldn’t accept any payment unless I had the correct money so 20 minutes was spent in the well-appointed clubhouse watching a ladies Futsal match on the big screen. Is that just a posh version of 5-a-side? Eventually I took my place in the stand in line with the halfway line with only a floodlight pylon and a roof support restricting my view. The dugouts are opposite the stand which consists of 4 rows of long bench-type seats (the stand not the dugouts). The pitch is fully railed with two sides lined with trees and the near goal is sited at the rear of the Sports Centre.
The teams were the top two in the division and, as expected, the game started at a frantic pace with possession changing frequently. I prefer this to the dozens of possession-passes played at walking pace. However, New Milton looked by far the better side from the off. They were physically superior and much quicker and more aggressive in a fair manner. They challenged for every ball and their forwards did their fair share of pressing throughout the game. They took the lead after about 5 minutes when a cross from the left wasn’t dealt with strongly enough, allowing the No 8 to step in and side foot the ball in from the edge of the penalty area. There then followed a couple of Yellow cards for two Downton players which didn’t meet with the approval of the mature spectators around me. They gave the referee some stick and planned to boo him at the interval. Their anger was increased when one of the home players was red-carded after about 30 minutes. I, like many others, had followed the flight of the ball which was cleared by the New Milton left back on the far side, only to have our attention drawn back to the referee who was whistling frantically, surrounded by a group of New Milton players. One of the players confirmed to the supporters after half-time that the No 10 had been sent off for “kicking” – presumably his opponent.
Just before the half, New Milton added a second after the keeper failed to hold a corner kick and the No 5 tapped the ball in. There was some suspicion that the keeper had been pushed while in mid-air. It certainly looked like that from where I was. The second half started as the first with both teams going at it. However, Downton looked a little lightweight and came second in most challenges. Their centre forward was so slight that he was no match for the stronger defenders. However, they seemed to be making some progress when tragedy struck. The No 6 in the left-back position, under pressure, turned and played a blind square pass to his keeper. The New Milton forward intercepted it and after a couple of attempts, scored. No.6’s reward – immediate substitution. A fourth goal was scored, but for the life of me, I can’t remember how. Probably by being distracted by, what appeared to be, a serious injury to a New Milton player on the far side. After a being dispossessed, he collapsed in agony and as play continued a couple of his teammates ignored the play and rushed to his assistance before the referee stopped play. “Get up” shouted one of the spectators near me and was soon left red-faced when a stretcher was call for.
VERWOOD TOWN (H) - WON 4 - 0
The Potters arrived at The Nest in buoyant mood after brushing aside Andover Town 3-0 the weekend before at Potterne Park. The Robins would have to be in top gear if they wanted to beat this young Verwood side. The Robins started well with Kris Krysztofowicz turning and shooting just over the bar in the 8th minute .
The rejuvenated Shaun Prentice then hit the side netting from a lovely team move in the 14th minute. The next chance the Robins created was in the 28th minute when a lovely cross from Ollie Davies was headed back across the goal by Kris for Shaun to fire a shot at the goal,which the Verwood keeper saved. We finally opened our account when Shaun scored in the 42nd minute. Shaun was the first to react from a cross and he tucked his effort away. A minute later, Shaun could have scored his second when he created another chance. The Robins were now all over Verwood and we again should have scored just before half time, when Ollie Davies had a superb effort saved by Ed Phillips in the Potter’s goal.
Early in the 2nd half, Verwood had their best period of the game and created a few half chances. The Robin’s back line and keeper thankfully dealt with all that the visitors had to throw at them. In the 63rd, the dangerous Ollie Davies scored our second goal of the game with a superb strike from just inside the penalty area. The keeper had no chance with the shot. A few minutes, later a lovely one-two between Craig Tyson and Ollie Davies allowed us to make it three nil. This goal is Ollie’s 22nd goal of the season. What a move and what a goal! We rounded off the scoring about 10 minutes later, when a lovely throw ball by Joe Rawkins allowed Kris to run onto the ball and round the keeper to slot home our fourth and his 25th goal of the season. Verwood now just wanted the game to finish as they struggled to contain Downton’s forward line. A number of substitutions were now made by Smithy and we did create a few more half-chances but sadly did not score again .
Another superb team performance keeping the Robins top of the league.
The rejuvenated Shaun Prentice then hit the side netting from a lovely team move in the 14th minute. The next chance the Robins created was in the 28th minute when a lovely cross from Ollie Davies was headed back across the goal by Kris for Shaun to fire a shot at the goal,which the Verwood keeper saved. We finally opened our account when Shaun scored in the 42nd minute. Shaun was the first to react from a cross and he tucked his effort away. A minute later, Shaun could have scored his second when he created another chance. The Robins were now all over Verwood and we again should have scored just before half time, when Ollie Davies had a superb effort saved by Ed Phillips in the Potter’s goal.
Early in the 2nd half, Verwood had their best period of the game and created a few half chances. The Robin’s back line and keeper thankfully dealt with all that the visitors had to throw at them. In the 63rd, the dangerous Ollie Davies scored our second goal of the game with a superb strike from just inside the penalty area. The keeper had no chance with the shot. A few minutes, later a lovely one-two between Craig Tyson and Ollie Davies allowed us to make it three nil. This goal is Ollie’s 22nd goal of the season. What a move and what a goal! We rounded off the scoring about 10 minutes later, when a lovely throw ball by Joe Rawkins allowed Kris to run onto the ball and round the keeper to slot home our fourth and his 25th goal of the season. Verwood now just wanted the game to finish as they struggled to contain Downton’s forward line. A number of substitutions were now made by Smithy and we did create a few more half-chances but sadly did not score again .
Another superb team performance keeping the Robins top of the league.
DEVIZES TOWN (H) - WON 5 - 1
The Robins hosted Devizes Town for the second time in two seasons in the Wiltshire Senior Cup, both being held at The Nest. Last season, we won 6-0 but Devizes who ply their trade in the Wiltshire League now, after relegation over the summer from the Western League, are currently undefeated in the league. Smithy rested a few regulars due to so many games coming up in such a short space of time.
The Robins (currently holders of this prestigious cup) started the game well, with Kris and Shaun causing them problems with their strength and pace. We opened our account when the lively Leon Carbayo Borges burst into the box and was up-ended by a Devizes defender, leading to a penalty. Kris stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, giving Jack Cross no chance. The Robins now went for the kill and created a few chances, which Cross dealt with superbly. We scored again in the 15th, when Shaun Prentice tucked away a lovely cross by Ollie Davies. Devizes looked a little shocked and startled with our pace and being two down so early on in the game. More chances were created by Kris, Ollie and Shaun but we did not increase our lead until the 35th minute. From a corner, the ball fell to Leon Carbayo Borges at the edge of the box after it was cleared, and he whipped the ball back in the danger zone. The ball evaded everyone and nestled in the back of the net. Raff was trying to claim he got a touch!!! But the goal was awarded to Leon- his first for the club.
The Robins expected a backlash from Devizes in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Surprisingly it did not happen and it was Downton who increased their lead again in the 55th minute. Ollie Davies received the ball from Kris from the right-hand side. He took control of the ball and smacked it in the bottom corner of the goal from 25 yards out. What a goal from Ollie and his 19th goal of the season already. Credit to Devizes who went straight up the other end and scored from substitute Kassa Anderson. This gave our visitors some belief and they now had their best period of pressure. A few minutes after scoring, they hit the post from a lovely through-ball from the midfield. Will Betts then saved superbly from Anderson. We were making numerous changes in this period, which seemed to unsettle us a bit. However, we did finish off the scoring in the 80th minute when Ollie Davies scored his second of the night with a lovely finish. The Robins progress to the Semi Finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup with a superb all round team performance against a stubborn and well-organised Devizes side
The Robins (currently holders of this prestigious cup) started the game well, with Kris and Shaun causing them problems with their strength and pace. We opened our account when the lively Leon Carbayo Borges burst into the box and was up-ended by a Devizes defender, leading to a penalty. Kris stepped up and smashed the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, giving Jack Cross no chance. The Robins now went for the kill and created a few chances, which Cross dealt with superbly. We scored again in the 15th, when Shaun Prentice tucked away a lovely cross by Ollie Davies. Devizes looked a little shocked and startled with our pace and being two down so early on in the game. More chances were created by Kris, Ollie and Shaun but we did not increase our lead until the 35th minute. From a corner, the ball fell to Leon Carbayo Borges at the edge of the box after it was cleared, and he whipped the ball back in the danger zone. The ball evaded everyone and nestled in the back of the net. Raff was trying to claim he got a touch!!! But the goal was awarded to Leon- his first for the club.
The Robins expected a backlash from Devizes in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Surprisingly it did not happen and it was Downton who increased their lead again in the 55th minute. Ollie Davies received the ball from Kris from the right-hand side. He took control of the ball and smacked it in the bottom corner of the goal from 25 yards out. What a goal from Ollie and his 19th goal of the season already. Credit to Devizes who went straight up the other end and scored from substitute Kassa Anderson. This gave our visitors some belief and they now had their best period of pressure. A few minutes after scoring, they hit the post from a lovely through-ball from the midfield. Will Betts then saved superbly from Anderson. We were making numerous changes in this period, which seemed to unsettle us a bit. However, we did finish off the scoring in the 80th minute when Ollie Davies scored his second of the night with a lovely finish. The Robins progress to the Semi Finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup with a superb all round team performance against a stubborn and well-organised Devizes side
FLEET SPURS (A) - WON 0 - 1
The game started with both sides challenging enthusiastically, but with defences on top. Chances were rare at both ends and during the break, the New Forest side, frustrated at their lack of goals volubly expressed their disbelief at Fleet’s low league position. After 13 minutes home skipper Chris Farmiloe created an excellent chance for his team, his powerful header from a right-wing cross bringing out the best in visiting keeper Will Betts with a fine spectacular save.
After the break, the game continued in similar vein. A goalless draw was beginning to appear inevitable, until the home defence showed unwelcome signs of frailty and Shaun Prentice was able to force the ball home from very close range after 72 minutes for what turned out to be the winner.
After the break, the game continued in similar vein. A goalless draw was beginning to appear inevitable, until the home defence showed unwelcome signs of frailty and Shaun Prentice was able to force the ball home from very close range after 72 minutes for what turned out to be the winner.
EAST COWES VICS (H) - WON 4 - 2
An early kick off time at the Nest suited high flyers Downton, with goals at the beginning of each half putting the Robins on the road to victory.
Polish striker Krysztofowicz scored twice for the home side with Davies and Tyson also on the scoresheet. East Cowes Vics, a bogey side for Downton in recent times, dug in all game and had goals from Snow and Marsek to show for their visit across to the main land in an entertaining clash. In mild conditions, the Robins made the perfect start. Krysztofowicz received ball on the right, composed himself, cut inside the defender and bent the ball left footed into the far corner, a brilliant opener. 10 minutes in and Krysztofowicz then had a half chance with a volleyed effort from the edge of the area, but this time hooked the chance high and wide. A minute later Downton full back Will Mackie found himself in space but skewed his shot past the post. In the 13th minute midfielder Chapman had East Cowes first shot on target, a looping effort caught comfortably by Will Betts in the Downton goal. Then, as a small rain shower began and supporters headed to the shelter of the Ian Drinkwater Stand, good interplay between Moseley and Davies resulted in shot into side netting. By now it was end to end action as next Vics number 11 Marsek danced through a crowd on the edge of the area and let off a hard shot straight down the throat of Betts who parried well. The Vics then gained three corners in quick succession which came to nothing. Then in the 40th minute, Davies slalomed through the East Cowes defence, sent the goalie the wrong way and scored off the post to make it 2-0. However the home cheers were short lived as a minute later the ball rebounded into the path of Vics number 10 Toby Snow who rounded Betts and finished well.
The second half started exactly as the first half, with a Downton goal within 60 seconds of the restart. With Downton now shooting towards the scoreboard end, Krysztofowicz took aim in the box and the ball hit a Vics hand. Krysztofowicz stepped up and hit the ball low to the keepers right. Alex Ram got a big hand on it but couldn’t keep the ball out. Once again though Downton were pegged back as 7 minutes later Marsek snapshot wrong-footed Betts in the Downton goal and it was 3-2, game on again. Downton continued to look the better side and in the 65th minute Vics number 4 Berry took a ‘professional’ yellow card to stop Davies getting through down the Downton left. But from the resulting free kick, Downton got some justice as Tyson the captain’s free kick cross eluded everyone and nestled into the back of the net 4-2. In the 82nd minute Krysztofowicz stung the palms of the goalkeeper as he looked for his hatrick. Sadly he was then withdrawn with what looked like a slight injury. From the resultant corner, Downton number 18 headed inches wide. In the 85th minute Davies went for a 50-50 tackle with the Vics goalkeeper. The loud scream by Alex Ram was enough to earn a yellow for the Downton striker who didn’t seem to do anything wrong! As the final whistle blew, the rain began to fall and with halloween looming, it would be the vics having all the nightmares as the Robins swooped to claim all 3 points.
Polish striker Krysztofowicz scored twice for the home side with Davies and Tyson also on the scoresheet. East Cowes Vics, a bogey side for Downton in recent times, dug in all game and had goals from Snow and Marsek to show for their visit across to the main land in an entertaining clash. In mild conditions, the Robins made the perfect start. Krysztofowicz received ball on the right, composed himself, cut inside the defender and bent the ball left footed into the far corner, a brilliant opener. 10 minutes in and Krysztofowicz then had a half chance with a volleyed effort from the edge of the area, but this time hooked the chance high and wide. A minute later Downton full back Will Mackie found himself in space but skewed his shot past the post. In the 13th minute midfielder Chapman had East Cowes first shot on target, a looping effort caught comfortably by Will Betts in the Downton goal. Then, as a small rain shower began and supporters headed to the shelter of the Ian Drinkwater Stand, good interplay between Moseley and Davies resulted in shot into side netting. By now it was end to end action as next Vics number 11 Marsek danced through a crowd on the edge of the area and let off a hard shot straight down the throat of Betts who parried well. The Vics then gained three corners in quick succession which came to nothing. Then in the 40th minute, Davies slalomed through the East Cowes defence, sent the goalie the wrong way and scored off the post to make it 2-0. However the home cheers were short lived as a minute later the ball rebounded into the path of Vics number 10 Toby Snow who rounded Betts and finished well.
The second half started exactly as the first half, with a Downton goal within 60 seconds of the restart. With Downton now shooting towards the scoreboard end, Krysztofowicz took aim in the box and the ball hit a Vics hand. Krysztofowicz stepped up and hit the ball low to the keepers right. Alex Ram got a big hand on it but couldn’t keep the ball out. Once again though Downton were pegged back as 7 minutes later Marsek snapshot wrong-footed Betts in the Downton goal and it was 3-2, game on again. Downton continued to look the better side and in the 65th minute Vics number 4 Berry took a ‘professional’ yellow card to stop Davies getting through down the Downton left. But from the resulting free kick, Downton got some justice as Tyson the captain’s free kick cross eluded everyone and nestled into the back of the net 4-2. In the 82nd minute Krysztofowicz stung the palms of the goalkeeper as he looked for his hatrick. Sadly he was then withdrawn with what looked like a slight injury. From the resultant corner, Downton number 18 headed inches wide. In the 85th minute Davies went for a 50-50 tackle with the Vics goalkeeper. The loud scream by Alex Ram was enough to earn a yellow for the Downton striker who didn’t seem to do anything wrong! As the final whistle blew, the rain began to fall and with halloween looming, it would be the vics having all the nightmares as the Robins swooped to claim all 3 points.
ROMSEY TOWN (H) - WON 6 - 1
After 2 disappointing results, The Robins were back at The Nest hosting in-form Romsey Town in the Wessex League. Romsey were undefeated in their last 5 games, so today’s game was going to be another very tough one. It was so important that we started on the front foot and we needed to set the tone for the game early. We did exactly this with our first attack. The ball was crossed by Cameron Butler for Ollie Davies to put us 1-0 up after only two minutes. This rocked Romsey as we created a host of chances within the first few minutes of the game. It should have been 2-0 in the fifth minute when an Ollie Davies shot was well-saved by Coombes in the Romsey goal. After this, Romsey started to gain a slight hold in the game and had one effort saved by Betts and another going just over the bar within a few minutes of each other. Just as Romsey were thinking they were now in the game after such a bad start, Kris Krysztofowicz broke away down the right hand side and crossed for Ollie Davies to score his second goal of the game. This second goal rocked Romsey again and Clarky nearly scored our 3rd goal in the 20th minute with a superb long range effort, which narrowly went over the bar.
We did score our third goal in the 33rd minute when the superb Joe Rawkins, who was making his first start for the club today, set up Ollie Davies to score his first hat-trick for the club. TJ Moseley should have made it four late in the first half, when he broke through from a great passage of play. As he was bearing down on goal, he had Clarky in his ear screaming for the ball to be passed to him. This put TJ off, as he should have just shot at goal as Coombes came off his line. His slight indecision allowed a Romsey player to block his effort on goal. This was a superb half for The Robins which saw us 3-0 up with a well-deserved lead. With our first attack of the second half, The Robins increased their lead to 4-0. The unstoppable Kris scoring his 20th goal of the season when Ollie Davies broke away and crossed for Kris to tuck away his first goal of the day. Downton now dropped away for the next 20 minutes or so, allowing Romsey to have their best period of the game. In the 56th minute, Will Betts made a superb save of a Jack Odam penalty. Mossy gave away the penalty when he was adjudged to have fouled a Romsey player. A few minutes later, Liam Magee broke through and his effort was saved by the impressive Betts. Finally, Romsey got the goal they deserved after so much pressure in this period, when a cross was superbly headed in off the post from their leading goal-scorer Jack Odam. This goal sprung The Robins back into life and a delightful run and shot from Will Mackie in the 80 minute, gave Coombes no chance in the Romsey Goal. The thunderbolt of a shot struck the foot of the post and went in. This was Will’s second goal for the club and what a goal it was. Finally, Kris scored his 21st goal of the season with another far-post run and simple tap from a cross by Leon Borges.
This was a result the lads needed after 2 tough weeks, and what a performance they produced in front of another healthy Nest Crowd (139).
We did score our third goal in the 33rd minute when the superb Joe Rawkins, who was making his first start for the club today, set up Ollie Davies to score his first hat-trick for the club. TJ Moseley should have made it four late in the first half, when he broke through from a great passage of play. As he was bearing down on goal, he had Clarky in his ear screaming for the ball to be passed to him. This put TJ off, as he should have just shot at goal as Coombes came off his line. His slight indecision allowed a Romsey player to block his effort on goal. This was a superb half for The Robins which saw us 3-0 up with a well-deserved lead. With our first attack of the second half, The Robins increased their lead to 4-0. The unstoppable Kris scoring his 20th goal of the season when Ollie Davies broke away and crossed for Kris to tuck away his first goal of the day. Downton now dropped away for the next 20 minutes or so, allowing Romsey to have their best period of the game. In the 56th minute, Will Betts made a superb save of a Jack Odam penalty. Mossy gave away the penalty when he was adjudged to have fouled a Romsey player. A few minutes later, Liam Magee broke through and his effort was saved by the impressive Betts. Finally, Romsey got the goal they deserved after so much pressure in this period, when a cross was superbly headed in off the post from their leading goal-scorer Jack Odam. This goal sprung The Robins back into life and a delightful run and shot from Will Mackie in the 80 minute, gave Coombes no chance in the Romsey Goal. The thunderbolt of a shot struck the foot of the post and went in. This was Will’s second goal for the club and what a goal it was. Finally, Kris scored his 21st goal of the season with another far-post run and simple tap from a cross by Leon Borges.
This was a result the lads needed after 2 tough weeks, and what a performance they produced in front of another healthy Nest Crowd (139).
FOLLAND SPORTS (A) - LOST 3 - 1
Downton started the game on the front foot with Marcel Laptas nearly scoring in the first 2 minutes when he lobbed the ball over the keeper. Sadly, his effort went just the wrong side of the post. Follands Sports are a very dangerous side who will be right up there challenging at the end of the season. With their first attack they pulled the ball back from the by-line for Fabio Manuel to find the bottom corner of the net, putting the hosts into the lead. Downton then gained a foothold again in the game and started to play some nice football. Folland tried to stop our game with some over zealous tackles. We did equalise late in the 1st half from one of our corners. Cameron Butler swung the ball into the box for Ryan Osman to head it back across the goal for Ollie Davies to slide the ball into the net. The goal was fully deserved and The Robins went into the break level.
The start of the second half was very scrappy. The officials got a lot of basic decisions wrong, annoying both sets of players. This sadly set the tone for this half. The turning point of the game came when Will Betts came out to catch a free kick from a Follands player. Sadly, he slightly mis-judged the cross and it fell at the feet of Harvey Clark, who scored - much to the delight of the home fans. Shortly after, the referee dismissed Ryan Osman ( Ozzy ) for dissent. However, by this point the referee and his officials had lost control of the match. As Downton looked for an equaliser, Marcel Laptas created a superb chance when his effort hit the crossbar for The Robins in the 70th minute. As The Robins pushed for an equaliser, the hosts were very dangerous on the counter attack. The referee then made another dubious decision, in full view of the travelling faithful, when a penalty was being given away by James Clark. Jake Long stepped up and confidently tucked the penalty in the net. If the lads were honest, we were not at the races today but must learn to take our chances and not get involved when decisions don’t go our way. Not a good away day for The Robins, which resulted in our first defeat away from home all season.
The start of the second half was very scrappy. The officials got a lot of basic decisions wrong, annoying both sets of players. This sadly set the tone for this half. The turning point of the game came when Will Betts came out to catch a free kick from a Follands player. Sadly, he slightly mis-judged the cross and it fell at the feet of Harvey Clark, who scored - much to the delight of the home fans. Shortly after, the referee dismissed Ryan Osman ( Ozzy ) for dissent. However, by this point the referee and his officials had lost control of the match. As Downton looked for an equaliser, Marcel Laptas created a superb chance when his effort hit the crossbar for The Robins in the 70th minute. As The Robins pushed for an equaliser, the hosts were very dangerous on the counter attack. The referee then made another dubious decision, in full view of the travelling faithful, when a penalty was being given away by James Clark. Jake Long stepped up and confidently tucked the penalty in the net. If the lads were honest, we were not at the races today but must learn to take our chances and not get involved when decisions don’t go our way. Not a good away day for The Robins, which resulted in our first defeat away from home all season.
HAMWORTHY REC (H) - LOST 1 - 2
A great result for Rec, as they turned the form book upside down with this impressive win at table toppers Downton. And it was thoroughly deserved. From the start Rec were positive and gave total commitment all round to gain three precious points. Rec went in front after 9m. Lewis McMurdo played a perfect through ball from defence for CHRIS LONG to run on, control well and slip past Betts, in the home goal, for 0-1. Back came Downton, who drew a good save from Jason Harvell, in the Rec goal, palming away a long-range effort. But Rec were looking confident and Frank Rosenwald combined with Jack Satterley, with the latter firing inches wide, before Rosenwald’s shot set up a half-chance for Satterley, which was scrambled away. On 27m the Robins were level. A decisive, quick move set up DAVIES inside the area, who cooly slotted past Harvell, for 1-1.
The woodwork then came to the hosts rescue, with Rosenwald hitting the angle of bar and post and then Long’s shot striking the post and running across the face of goal. Dangerman Krystofowicz saw his free-kick saved by Harvell, before another Downton chance trickled wide. HT 1-1. Downton had a great chance early in the second half, but defender Harvey Doe produced a timely clearance off the line. But Rec regained the lead on the hour, when a defensive slip let in ROSENWALD, who drilled a classy left-footer inside the far post for his sixth goal of the season, to make it 1-2. Downton then had a spell of pressure, with Doe again, clearing for Rec and a shot from distance well saved by Harvell, before another long-range effort fizzed over the Rec bar. Rec were showing total commitment and always looked capable of adding to their lead, as well as defending doggedly, allowing the hosts few chances of note. They did deliver a dangerous ball into the box, late on, but the offside flag came to Rec’s rescue.
The woodwork then came to the hosts rescue, with Rosenwald hitting the angle of bar and post and then Long’s shot striking the post and running across the face of goal. Dangerman Krystofowicz saw his free-kick saved by Harvell, before another Downton chance trickled wide. HT 1-1. Downton had a great chance early in the second half, but defender Harvey Doe produced a timely clearance off the line. But Rec regained the lead on the hour, when a defensive slip let in ROSENWALD, who drilled a classy left-footer inside the far post for his sixth goal of the season, to make it 1-2. Downton then had a spell of pressure, with Doe again, clearing for Rec and a shot from distance well saved by Harvell, before another long-range effort fizzed over the Rec bar. Rec were showing total commitment and always looked capable of adding to their lead, as well as defending doggedly, allowing the hosts few chances of note. They did deliver a dangerous ball into the box, late on, but the offside flag came to Rec’s rescue.
FLEETLANDS (H) - WON 3 - 0
This was our first competitive fixture against Fleetlands FC, in both clubs’ histories. We never met when they played in the Wessex League back in the early 2000s. Fleetlands were promoted over the summer from the Hampshire Premier League and have settled back into the league well. Any side from Portsmouth are always a tough side to play and tonight was no different. They pushed Andover Town all the way on Saturday in their last fixture, only losing 3-2 . It was important The Robins started the game brightly and set the early tone. We did this creating a few early half-chances. We took the lead in the 12th minute when Sam Howe broke into the opposition’s box, only to be fouled by one of their defenders. Penalty !!!! Sam got up and took the penalty himself and sent the keeper the wrong way. 1-0 to The Robins. We had excellent chances to increase our lead, firstly from Cameron Butler whose shot was excellently blocked on the line after a mazy, darting run from the wing. Moments later, Marcel who was having a superb game, created a chance for himself which was superbly saved by the Fleetland’s keeper. We did increase our lead in the 23rd minute when we were given a freekick on the right hand side of the pitch. Cameron flighted a lovely ball into the box and Tom Rafferty rose superbly to head home, giving their defenders and keeper no chance on the line. Now it was one way traffic and it looked like we would increase our lead at any minute.
Just before the break we did score our third from a superb run and finish from the majestic Marcel Laptas. He picked the ball up from about 25 yards out and ran at the Fleetlands’ back line. No one could stop him and he weaved his way through, smashing the ball past the advancing keeper. What a half of football from The Robins, but credit must go to Fleetlands for sticking to their task. The second half started a bit slower from both sides as we looked to manage the game as we have so many fixtures coming up. Ben and Rae desided to start making changes to rest lads and give lads minutes in their legs from the subs bench. It was great to see Kris Krysztofowicz back on the pitch after missing the last few games with illness. We had a very good chance to score our fourth in the 60th minute when another superb corner from Cameron was headed just over from Sam Howe. The visitors created a few chances in a ten minute period in the 2nd half but nothing was getting past Will Betts in our goal. He made a couple of superb block saves but this was really all our opponents could muster as we controlled the rest of the game without creating many more chances. It was a pleasure to see them manage the game so well. With 15 minutes to go, new signing Dom Thelen entered the field and almost scored with his first kick of the game.
Just before the break we did score our third from a superb run and finish from the majestic Marcel Laptas. He picked the ball up from about 25 yards out and ran at the Fleetlands’ back line. No one could stop him and he weaved his way through, smashing the ball past the advancing keeper. What a half of football from The Robins, but credit must go to Fleetlands for sticking to their task. The second half started a bit slower from both sides as we looked to manage the game as we have so many fixtures coming up. Ben and Rae desided to start making changes to rest lads and give lads minutes in their legs from the subs bench. It was great to see Kris Krysztofowicz back on the pitch after missing the last few games with illness. We had a very good chance to score our fourth in the 60th minute when another superb corner from Cameron was headed just over from Sam Howe. The visitors created a few chances in a ten minute period in the 2nd half but nothing was getting past Will Betts in our goal. He made a couple of superb block saves but this was really all our opponents could muster as we controlled the rest of the game without creating many more chances. It was a pleasure to see them manage the game so well. With 15 minutes to go, new signing Dom Thelen entered the field and almost scored with his first kick of the game.
FAWLEY AFC (H) - WON 2 - 1
The Robins started a run of 3 games at home within a week in the league. Today, we hosted Fawley AFC at The Nest who, over the years, have been a bit of a dogey side for us at home. We were without Kris again, who is still unwell. Benj managed to put out a very strong side, showing the depth in our squad is looking very healthy. It was a very scrappy half for the Robin’s, with us looking a bit off the pace and a little lethargic. Our visitors looked brighter and created a few chances, taking the lead in the 40th minute when the league’s top goal-scorer, Dylan Knight, converted a good cross to head the ball home; giving Will Betts no chance in the goal. We needed a reaction and we nearly got it straight away when TJ broke free from the wing. His effort was well-saved by Lee Burch in the Fawley goal. The visitors totally deserved to be 1-0 up at half time and we needed to react in the 2nd half. The reaction came immediately after stern words from Smithy at half time. We started to create more efforts on goal and looked a lot more dangerous going forward. Sam Howe and Ollie Davies had good chances to equalise but again, Burch was equal to their efforts in goal. Smithy brought on Cameron Butler in the 52nd minute and this change made an instant difference when we equalised in the 56th minute. Cameron’s corner was delivered to Ollie Davies to head home from the back post, giving their keeper no chance in their goal. Now the game opened up with TJ, Sam and Ollie having good chances for The Robins, although our visitors always looked dangerous on the break. Our next chance came when Marcel broke through after a mazy run, in the 70th minute. His shot was superbly saved by Burch and the luck was with him, as he pushed the effort onto the post and away. The pressure was mounting again when Ollie Davies picked up the ball in the 76th minute. His run burst past his marker and into the area. As he closed in on the goal, he kicked the ball through the keeper’s legs to put the Robin’s 2-1 up. What a goal from Ollie and great to see him back on the goal scoring sheet again. This goal spurred Fawley on as they had nothing to lose now. However, credit to Downton as we defended well to see out game, not allowing Fawley to create much in the last 12 minutes. Today was not one of our best performances but the result was key, as was getting 3 more points on board. It shows we are a good side, even when they don’t play well and still get the points.
MILLBROOK (H) - WON 4 - 2
THE best gate of the weekend in league action was here, at the Nest for the visit of Millbrook writes Mike Robins on a warm September afternoon.
Early play was fairly keen and the first goal came from the first corner on six minutes. The dead ball reached the back post and Tom MOSELEY was able head home at the second opportunity. Cue some rather unsavoury behaviour from the visitors which resulted in some words of advice from the Referee, sadly the Dockers failed to heed said advice and a few minutes later one of their number was sin binned for further dissent, a very silly idea having only just being warned! Millbrook were obliged to replace Callum Drake with Robbie Stapleton shortly after pulling up with an injury. This delay seemed to have been forgotten by the Millbrook bench who continued to whinge about the ten minute binning incident. Shortly upon his return it was Mark Barker who provided the first real shot at goal for the visitors but it didn’t trouble Will Betts in the home goal. The second goal arrived just shy of the half hour. Kris KRYSZTOFOWICZ made no mistake from around six yards at the second attempt.
As we approached the interval Downton added a third when MOSELEY was given the freedom of the penalty area to weave his way through a couple of challenges, go back and do it again and then stroke the ball home from an angle, surely this was enough to see the points stay in Wiltshire.
The second half started with Millbrook on the front foot, perhaps some words had been said in the changing room. Josh CAREY blated home a shot from around 10 yards, and before anyone had really settled back down from that it was 3-2. A corner wasn’t dealt with and Jon PASIEKA scored with a stooping header with Betts perhaps unsighted. Game on? Well one would have thought so. Betts then made an easy save from a Barker free kick that was perhaps the best chance for the Dockers to get back on level terms. As we entered the final 15 minutes the Robins restored their two goal cushion when Krysztofowicz did all the hard work on the flank and squared it for the onrushing MOSELEY to have a simple side foot shot from ten yards. A late chance came for Millbrook but Betts was equal to the challenge and after getting on for eight added on minutes’ it was finally all over.
Early play was fairly keen and the first goal came from the first corner on six minutes. The dead ball reached the back post and Tom MOSELEY was able head home at the second opportunity. Cue some rather unsavoury behaviour from the visitors which resulted in some words of advice from the Referee, sadly the Dockers failed to heed said advice and a few minutes later one of their number was sin binned for further dissent, a very silly idea having only just being warned! Millbrook were obliged to replace Callum Drake with Robbie Stapleton shortly after pulling up with an injury. This delay seemed to have been forgotten by the Millbrook bench who continued to whinge about the ten minute binning incident. Shortly upon his return it was Mark Barker who provided the first real shot at goal for the visitors but it didn’t trouble Will Betts in the home goal. The second goal arrived just shy of the half hour. Kris KRYSZTOFOWICZ made no mistake from around six yards at the second attempt.
As we approached the interval Downton added a third when MOSELEY was given the freedom of the penalty area to weave his way through a couple of challenges, go back and do it again and then stroke the ball home from an angle, surely this was enough to see the points stay in Wiltshire.
The second half started with Millbrook on the front foot, perhaps some words had been said in the changing room. Josh CAREY blated home a shot from around 10 yards, and before anyone had really settled back down from that it was 3-2. A corner wasn’t dealt with and Jon PASIEKA scored with a stooping header with Betts perhaps unsighted. Game on? Well one would have thought so. Betts then made an easy save from a Barker free kick that was perhaps the best chance for the Dockers to get back on level terms. As we entered the final 15 minutes the Robins restored their two goal cushion when Krysztofowicz did all the hard work on the flank and squared it for the onrushing MOSELEY to have a simple side foot shot from ten yards. A late chance came for Millbrook but Betts was equal to the challenge and after getting on for eight added on minutes’ it was finally all over.
PETERSFIELD TOWN (A) - DRAW 2 - 2
Our hosts started as the better team on a very dry and uneven pitch. They took the lead with their first chance of the game from a cross which evaded everyone apart from Essai at the back post- he tapped the ball into an empty net. This woke the Robins up and we proceeded to take total control of the game. We started to pass the ball more quickly and get behind the Petersfield defence. Jordi Wilson in the Petersfield goal looked impressive with a series of saves. We finally equalised in the 37th minute. Kris collected the ball on the left and delicately chipped the ball over the defence for Marcel Laptas who was on the right. Marcel, who was making his 50th club appearance today, took the ball down and smashed it home on the half volley, giving Wilson no chance in the goal. The Robins started the second half as the better of the 2 sides. We created numerous chances but Wilson was proving a hard keeper to beat. Davies, Krysztofowicz and Howe all had chances to give the Robins the lead.
Kris Krysztofowicz, who has already scored 8 goals for the club during pre-season since signing from QK Southampton, had a spectacular effort which would not have looked out of place in the Premier league, let alone Wessex League Div 1. We had a cross cleared by one of the Petersfield defenders. Kris had the quality and vision to scissor kick the ball from 20 yards out. Thankfully for Petersfield, Jordi Wilson was on hand to tip the ball over for a corner. This was a superb effort from Kris - this lad is a great footballer! We took a deserved lead in the 88th minute, when Kris scored his ninth goal of the season with a sweet shot from an Ollie Davies cut back. The keeper had no chance with Kris’s effort. With the game into stoppage time the Robin’s suddenly started to sit back and invited unnecessary pressure. This is always a risk and sadly it cost us. The home side pulled the ball into the box to get the equaliser- gutting. Not sure where the referee got the 8 minutes of injury time from, but we must learn not to sit on a lead. Overall, a good point and good performance from the lads. We totally dominated the game and should have been 3 or 4 up before they scored in the 98th minute. This is the second consecutive year that we have let in a late goal at Petersfield.
Kris Krysztofowicz, who has already scored 8 goals for the club during pre-season since signing from QK Southampton, had a spectacular effort which would not have looked out of place in the Premier league, let alone Wessex League Div 1. We had a cross cleared by one of the Petersfield defenders. Kris had the quality and vision to scissor kick the ball from 20 yards out. Thankfully for Petersfield, Jordi Wilson was on hand to tip the ball over for a corner. This was a superb effort from Kris - this lad is a great footballer! We took a deserved lead in the 88th minute, when Kris scored his ninth goal of the season with a sweet shot from an Ollie Davies cut back. The keeper had no chance with Kris’s effort. With the game into stoppage time the Robin’s suddenly started to sit back and invited unnecessary pressure. This is always a risk and sadly it cost us. The home side pulled the ball into the box to get the equaliser- gutting. Not sure where the referee got the 8 minutes of injury time from, but we must learn not to sit on a lead. Overall, a good point and good performance from the lads. We totally dominated the game and should have been 3 or 4 up before they scored in the 98th minute. This is the second consecutive year that we have let in a late goal at Petersfield.
TOTTON & ELING (A) - WON 2 - 3
THE game was turned on its head around the hour mark as Downton came back from a two goal deficit to eventually score the winner against the young Totton & Eling outfit writes Roger Allen. Both sides had started the season promisingly, but it was Downton that had much the better of the early exchanges. Their best chance came in the 13th minute when Leon Carbayo-Borges beat his man down the right to cross for an unmarked Kris Krystofowicz to head well wide from a good position. Moments later the same player had another headed chance, but this was narrowly wide of the post. The Millers were struggling to get into the game and Harrison YEADON was high and wide after 20 minutes. However he made up for this miss after 25 minutes when the ball broke to him just outside the penalty area. His high shot looped over Will Betts, the Downton keeper, and bounced in off the underside of the crossbar.
This goal appeared to give the home side some confidence because they grew into the game. However, Downton had the next big chance from a powerful Krystofowicz free kick which was parried by Mac Hare, the home keeper, straight to Ollie Davies . The ball arrived back at him quicker than he expected and probably to his wrong foot as he prodded the ball wide from right in front of goal. Just before the break, Betts produced a good save from Sam Ellis at the expense of a corner.
The second half started disastrously for Betts as he was pressured by Yeadon and ELLIS into failing to clear and it was the latter who rolled the ball into a vacant goal via the inside of a post and put the home side two goals up. In the 54th minute Downton got back into the game from a corner as KRYSTOFOWICZ was waiting at the far post to head down and in. And 5 minutes later they drew level. This time a cross from the right by James Clark found KRYSTOFOWICZ and with the home defenders vainly appealing for offside he looped the ball over Hare and into the net.
Downton were now rampant and minutes later a free kick by Marcel Laptas cannoned onto the inside of a post and bounced back into play. On 65 minutes it was no surprise when Downton took the lead. The ball broke from a corner to Cameron Butler outside the penalty area and his low shot was deflected home by defender Tom RAFFERTY who was still up for the corner. Having gone a goal up some of the intensity went out of Downton's play allowing the Millers back into the game. Brenno Nazerri for Totton and Ollie Davies for Downton brought good saves out of the opposition keeper and Downton had a goal disallowed for offside. The nearest either side came to scoring in the closing minutes was a passage of pinball in the Totton area when Hare produced three really good saves from Craig Tyson (twice) and Butler. Try as they might the Millers could not force the equaliser and I suspect Downton felt relieved to take the three points from an entertaining game.
This goal appeared to give the home side some confidence because they grew into the game. However, Downton had the next big chance from a powerful Krystofowicz free kick which was parried by Mac Hare, the home keeper, straight to Ollie Davies . The ball arrived back at him quicker than he expected and probably to his wrong foot as he prodded the ball wide from right in front of goal. Just before the break, Betts produced a good save from Sam Ellis at the expense of a corner.
The second half started disastrously for Betts as he was pressured by Yeadon and ELLIS into failing to clear and it was the latter who rolled the ball into a vacant goal via the inside of a post and put the home side two goals up. In the 54th minute Downton got back into the game from a corner as KRYSTOFOWICZ was waiting at the far post to head down and in. And 5 minutes later they drew level. This time a cross from the right by James Clark found KRYSTOFOWICZ and with the home defenders vainly appealing for offside he looped the ball over Hare and into the net.
Downton were now rampant and minutes later a free kick by Marcel Laptas cannoned onto the inside of a post and bounced back into play. On 65 minutes it was no surprise when Downton took the lead. The ball broke from a corner to Cameron Butler outside the penalty area and his low shot was deflected home by defender Tom RAFFERTY who was still up for the corner. Having gone a goal up some of the intensity went out of Downton's play allowing the Millers back into the game. Brenno Nazerri for Totton and Ollie Davies for Downton brought good saves out of the opposition keeper and Downton had a goal disallowed for offside. The nearest either side came to scoring in the closing minutes was a passage of pinball in the Totton area when Hare produced three really good saves from Craig Tyson (twice) and Butler. Try as they might the Millers could not force the equaliser and I suspect Downton felt relieved to take the three points from an entertaining game.
NEWPORT IOW (H) - LOST 0 - 3
The Robins needed a response after last Saturday’s exit from the FA Vase Trophy following a defeat by our local rivals Bemerton Heath. However, a very well organised and disciplined Newport stood in our way. We usually play well against Newport at home, but today felt very different. We started slowly, allowing our visitors to gain confidence. They took the lead in the tenth minute when George Colson crossed the ball low to the front post for Joe Butcher slot it home. We created a few half chances but without Ollie Davies (away on holiday) we lacked the link-up-play he creates.
The Port made it 2-0 in the 30th minute, when a free kick by Josh Young was met by Jordan Browne to give Matty Fredricks no chance in the Robin’s goal. We created our best chance of the game in the 40th minute when Kris broke through, his effort was stopped by a good block from their young keeper. If this had gone in, it could have been game-on but sadly our belief and energy started to disappear. We started the second half brightly but again, only created a few half chances from Sam and Kris who both worked tirelessly all game. In the 58th minute, the contest was over as Conor Kelly lashed home to make it 3-0 to the Port. A few minutes later, Matty Fredricks was given a straight red card for getting involved in an incident between Cameron and a Newport player.
This was the right decision but gave a rare opportunity for Ex-Saints keeper Luke Haviland to go in goal. From this point, it was all about Newport and Luke made a number of good saves to keep the score down to 3-0 to our visitors . This was a frustrating day and result for the Robins. However, we must now take stock and try to return to the form we displayed at the beginning of the season. Next up, we have 2 tough games away to Andover Town and Totton / Eling
The Port made it 2-0 in the 30th minute, when a free kick by Josh Young was met by Jordan Browne to give Matty Fredricks no chance in the Robin’s goal. We created our best chance of the game in the 40th minute when Kris broke through, his effort was stopped by a good block from their young keeper. If this had gone in, it could have been game-on but sadly our belief and energy started to disappear. We started the second half brightly but again, only created a few half chances from Sam and Kris who both worked tirelessly all game. In the 58th minute, the contest was over as Conor Kelly lashed home to make it 3-0 to the Port. A few minutes later, Matty Fredricks was given a straight red card for getting involved in an incident between Cameron and a Newport player.
This was the right decision but gave a rare opportunity for Ex-Saints keeper Luke Haviland to go in goal. From this point, it was all about Newport and Luke made a number of good saves to keep the score down to 3-0 to our visitors . This was a frustrating day and result for the Robins. However, we must now take stock and try to return to the form we displayed at the beginning of the season. Next up, we have 2 tough games away to Andover Town and Totton / Eling
BEMERTON HEATH (H) - LOST 0 - 3
Bemerton came out on top in this local derby as three unanswered goals were enough to progress to the next round of the FA Vase, at the expense of near rivals Downton. The hosts have had a great start to the season and are top of the Wessex League Division One table with lots of goals scored and very few conceded. Downton were the Harlequins 'bogey' team last season as both league games finished in draws, but the Robins were very impressive in their Senior Cup Final victory.
The boot was on the other foot in this match up as early goals from George Higgins and Danny Young gave the visiting higher division side the perfect start. Both sides had some excellent chances to increase the score line, but a combination of good defending and some great shot stopping saw the teams go in at half time with Bemerton two goals to the good. The visitors seemed to have the upper hand in the second half and duly increased their lead with an excellent 'edge of the box' strike from George Bennett. The home keeper made a fantastic Gordon Banks esq save mid way through the second half to keep the score appropriately respectable.
The boot was on the other foot in this match up as early goals from George Higgins and Danny Young gave the visiting higher division side the perfect start. Both sides had some excellent chances to increase the score line, but a combination of good defending and some great shot stopping saw the teams go in at half time with Bemerton two goals to the good. The visitors seemed to have the upper hand in the second half and duly increased their lead with an excellent 'edge of the box' strike from George Bennett. The home keeper made a fantastic Gordon Banks esq save mid way through the second half to keep the score appropriately respectable.
NEW MILTON TOWN (A) - WON 1 - 4
At the end of the day, a comprehensive win on the road for the Robins, and the writing was on the wall as early as the third minute, writes Mike Robins. Ollie DAVIES had time to bring the ball down and slot home from around six yards after collecting a short range pinpoint ball across the face of goal, the Linnets should really have cleared the danger before it reached him. A quick response was required and a Joe Kimber pass found Tyrrell Sampson in space but Matt Fredericks was more than equal to the effort with a superb point blank save, Just after midway through the half Downton looked to have doubled their lead. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced on the pitch, although I was pretty close, I couldn’t be sure if it should have counted or not, where was THAT Siberian linesman this afternoon. Anyway, it was not to be and whilst the visitors were bemoaning their luck Luke STONE notched a leveller after making the most of a mistake in the Robins’ defence just moments before the half hour mark.
Shots were exchanged at both ends of the park followed Craig Tyson for the visitors and Sampson for the hosts could perhaps have both done better, but there were no more goals as we hit half time. Ten minutes in tempers flared and the Linnets were reduced to ten, with a second yellow card for Noel McCarthy-Gardiner and visiting keeper Fredericks also saw yellow for his rather unnecessary intervention. Both teams fortunate I feel to not see further penalties. All very silly, and kind of took the gloss off a good entertaining game. Shortly after, Kris KRYSZTOFOWICZ restored the lead for the visitors, but they never really made the most of playing against a ten man team. Davies came close to making it three with 20 minutes left on the clock, skipping through a couple of tough challenges only to see Luke Dennison pull off a good stop. However as we approached the last few minutes substitute Tom MOSELEY found the net twice with a powerful strike from Krysztofowicz sandwiched between his goals.
Shots were exchanged at both ends of the park followed Craig Tyson for the visitors and Sampson for the hosts could perhaps have both done better, but there were no more goals as we hit half time. Ten minutes in tempers flared and the Linnets were reduced to ten, with a second yellow card for Noel McCarthy-Gardiner and visiting keeper Fredericks also saw yellow for his rather unnecessary intervention. Both teams fortunate I feel to not see further penalties. All very silly, and kind of took the gloss off a good entertaining game. Shortly after, Kris KRYSZTOFOWICZ restored the lead for the visitors, but they never really made the most of playing against a ten man team. Davies came close to making it three with 20 minutes left on the clock, skipping through a couple of tough challenges only to see Luke Dennison pull off a good stop. However as we approached the last few minutes substitute Tom MOSELEY found the net twice with a powerful strike from Krysztofowicz sandwiched between his goals.
AMESBURY TOWN (H) - WON 9 - 0
What a night at The Nest!! This was the club’s biggest home victory in the Wessex League and could actually have been many more than the nine we scored. Amesbury arrived at The Nest unbeaten in the league so far, with one win and one draw- placing them just below us in the table. Amesbury, who are managed by ex-Robins player Jack Brooks, started brightly. From the Robins’ first corner, Kris rose like a salmon and buried the ball home with a header after making contact with a great cross by Cameron Butler. After 15 minutes, Kris extended the Robins’ lead; Craig Tyson intercepting an Amesbury pass to lay the ball onto Kris who sprinted past 2 defenders to spot the ball home. Kris celebrated his goal with his now famous somersault and back flip.
A few minutes later, from a Newman goal kick for Amesbury, Tyson brought the ball down and laid it off to Clarky. He launched the ball over the top for Ollie Davies to run onto. Ollie forced Newman into a save but thankfully for Ollie the ball fell kindly and he was able to stroke the ball home after 20 minutes. Downton scored their fourth when their high press worked again, forcing an error in the midfield. They scored their last goal of the half after 32 minutes, when the press worked well again against Amesbury, allowing Danvers and Davies to create a cross for Howe. This shot was blocked, only for the ball to fall at Davies feet for him to smash it home. It could have been more goals for the Robins after having two efforts cleared off the line following shots from Kris and Ollie. Immediately after the restart, Sam Howe picked up a pass from Marcel from 30 yards out and smashed the ball home, giving Newman no chance in the goal. What a goal from Snakey!
Snakey increased our lead with another goal of the season contender in the 60th minute from a freekick at 25-30 yards out. His free-kick struck the base of the post and then went in, giving Newman and his wall no chance to stop it. Kris completed his second Downton hat-rick when a cross from Sam Danvers fell at his feet. Kris got the cross under control and lashed the ball into the roof of the net. It was 9-0 in the 75th minute when another superb cross by Danvers was met beautifully by TJ Moseley. Sam Howe had a great chance to complete his hat-rick late on but his half volley hit the side netting. What a performance from the lads tonight in this local derby. Up the Robins
A few minutes later, from a Newman goal kick for Amesbury, Tyson brought the ball down and laid it off to Clarky. He launched the ball over the top for Ollie Davies to run onto. Ollie forced Newman into a save but thankfully for Ollie the ball fell kindly and he was able to stroke the ball home after 20 minutes. Downton scored their fourth when their high press worked again, forcing an error in the midfield. They scored their last goal of the half after 32 minutes, when the press worked well again against Amesbury, allowing Danvers and Davies to create a cross for Howe. This shot was blocked, only for the ball to fall at Davies feet for him to smash it home. It could have been more goals for the Robins after having two efforts cleared off the line following shots from Kris and Ollie. Immediately after the restart, Sam Howe picked up a pass from Marcel from 30 yards out and smashed the ball home, giving Newman no chance in the goal. What a goal from Snakey!
Snakey increased our lead with another goal of the season contender in the 60th minute from a freekick at 25-30 yards out. His free-kick struck the base of the post and then went in, giving Newman and his wall no chance to stop it. Kris completed his second Downton hat-rick when a cross from Sam Danvers fell at his feet. Kris got the cross under control and lashed the ball into the roof of the net. It was 9-0 in the 75th minute when another superb cross by Danvers was met beautifully by TJ Moseley. Sam Howe had a great chance to complete his hat-rick late on but his half volley hit the side netting. What a performance from the lads tonight in this local derby. Up the Robins
ASH UNITED (H) - WON 4 - 0
If this match is anything to go by, Downton are not going to be short of goals this season writes Roger Allen. They have a powerful strike force in Sam Howe and Krzys Krystofowicz who are well supported from the flanks. It took only seconds for Howe to fire off a snap shot but it was straight at Ash keeper Adrian Giles. However, this early promise was quickly translated to goals. On 5 minutes Krystofowicz and Ollie DAVIES exchanged passes that left the latter in the clear to fire low past Giles. Ash did go close a couple of minutes later when a free kick by George Hedley forced a good save from Matt Fredericks at the foot of a post. But on 12 minutes Downton went two up. A free kick by Marcel Laptas was headed into goal by HOWE. A couple of minutes later a surging run by Downton full back Sam Danvers ended with his cross shot being cleared off the line by Ash’s Lochlan McNicholl. Following the drinks break the game became becalmed right up to half time. Whilst Ash resorted to speculative efforts, Downton failed to press on to kill off the game. The only incident of any note was a 20-yard shot by Krystofowicz which went inches the wrong side of the post.
HT 2-0.
Ash had the first chance of the second period when a free kick by Andre Smith was spilled by Fredericks but collected at the second attempt. At the other end James Clark shot narrowly wide. From now until he was substituted, the Ash defence found KRYSTOFOWICZ too hot to handle and on 51 minutes he powered away from his marker to score from fully 20 yards. Next the same player squared the ball and Davies really should have scored.
The fourth goal was not a long time coming as Laptas fed HOWE whose powerful shot found the roof of the net. Giles in the Ash goal had handled the ball competently all afternoon and was in no way responsible for any of the goals. Howe had a chance shortly after to complete his hat trick but his shot was well saved by Giles. Next a Krystofowicz shot was defected wide and Davies should have done better with a header from the resulting corner. Both sides had chances of further goals but, in the end, Downton settled for four as they ran out worthy winners
HT 2-0.
Ash had the first chance of the second period when a free kick by Andre Smith was spilled by Fredericks but collected at the second attempt. At the other end James Clark shot narrowly wide. From now until he was substituted, the Ash defence found KRYSTOFOWICZ too hot to handle and on 51 minutes he powered away from his marker to score from fully 20 yards. Next the same player squared the ball and Davies really should have scored.
The fourth goal was not a long time coming as Laptas fed HOWE whose powerful shot found the roof of the net. Giles in the Ash goal had handled the ball competently all afternoon and was in no way responsible for any of the goals. Howe had a chance shortly after to complete his hat trick but his shot was well saved by Giles. Next a Krystofowicz shot was defected wide and Davies should have done better with a header from the resulting corner. Both sides had chances of further goals but, in the end, Downton settled for four as they ran out worthy winners
PETERSFIELD TOWN (A) - DRAW 2 - 2
The Robins started their league campaign with one of the longest trips of their season to Petersfield Town. The beautifully named Love Lane ground is one of the toughest places to go and win any points.
Kris Krysztofowicz, Tom Rafferty, Ryan Osman and Nick Beattie all made their first league appearances for the club following their signings over the summer- welcome to the club! Our hosts started as the better team on a very dry and uneven pitch. They took the lead with their first chance of the game from a cross which evaded everyone apart from Essai at the back post- he tapped the ball into an empty net. This woke the Robins up and we proceeded to take total control of the game. We started to pass the ball more quickly and get behind the Petersfield defence. Jordi Wilson in the Petersfield goal looked impressive with a series of saves. We finally equalised in the 37th minute. Kris collected the ball on the left and delicately chipped the ball over the defence for Marcel Laptas who was on the right. Marcel, who was making his 50th club appearance today, took the ball down and smashed it home on the half volley, giving Wilson no chance in the goal.
Half Time 1-1.
The Robins started the second half as the better of the 2 sides. We created numerous chances but Wilson was proving a hard keeper to beat. Davies, Krysztofowicz and Howe all had chances to give the Robins the lead. Kris Krysztofowicz, who has already scored 8 goals for the club during pre-season since signing from QK Southampton, had a spectacular effort which would not have looked out of place in the Premier league, let alone Wessex League Div 1. We had a cross cleared by one of the Petersfield defenders. Kris had the quality and vision to scissor kick the ball from 20 yards out. Thankfully for Petersfield, Jordi Wilson was on hand to tip the ball over for a corner. This was a superb effort from Kris - this lad is a great footballer! We took a deserved lead in the 88th minute, when Kris scored his ninth goal of the season with a sweet shot from an Ollie Davies cut back. The keeper had no chance with Kris’s effort.
With the game into stoppage time the Robin’s suddenly started to sit back and invited unnecessary pressure. This is always a risk and sadly it cost us. The home side pulled the ball into the box to get the equaliser- gutting. Not sure where the referee got the 8 minutes of injury time from, but we must learn not to sit on a lead. Overall, a good point and good performance from the lads. We totally dominated the game and should have been 3 or 4 up before they scored in the 98th minute. This is the second consecutive year that we have let in a late goal at Petersfield.
Kris Krysztofowicz, Tom Rafferty, Ryan Osman and Nick Beattie all made their first league appearances for the club following their signings over the summer- welcome to the club! Our hosts started as the better team on a very dry and uneven pitch. They took the lead with their first chance of the game from a cross which evaded everyone apart from Essai at the back post- he tapped the ball into an empty net. This woke the Robins up and we proceeded to take total control of the game. We started to pass the ball more quickly and get behind the Petersfield defence. Jordi Wilson in the Petersfield goal looked impressive with a series of saves. We finally equalised in the 37th minute. Kris collected the ball on the left and delicately chipped the ball over the defence for Marcel Laptas who was on the right. Marcel, who was making his 50th club appearance today, took the ball down and smashed it home on the half volley, giving Wilson no chance in the goal.
Half Time 1-1.
The Robins started the second half as the better of the 2 sides. We created numerous chances but Wilson was proving a hard keeper to beat. Davies, Krysztofowicz and Howe all had chances to give the Robins the lead. Kris Krysztofowicz, who has already scored 8 goals for the club during pre-season since signing from QK Southampton, had a spectacular effort which would not have looked out of place in the Premier league, let alone Wessex League Div 1. We had a cross cleared by one of the Petersfield defenders. Kris had the quality and vision to scissor kick the ball from 20 yards out. Thankfully for Petersfield, Jordi Wilson was on hand to tip the ball over for a corner. This was a superb effort from Kris - this lad is a great footballer! We took a deserved lead in the 88th minute, when Kris scored his ninth goal of the season with a sweet shot from an Ollie Davies cut back. The keeper had no chance with Kris’s effort.
With the game into stoppage time the Robin’s suddenly started to sit back and invited unnecessary pressure. This is always a risk and sadly it cost us. The home side pulled the ball into the box to get the equaliser- gutting. Not sure where the referee got the 8 minutes of injury time from, but we must learn not to sit on a lead. Overall, a good point and good performance from the lads. We totally dominated the game and should have been 3 or 4 up before they scored in the 98th minute. This is the second consecutive year that we have let in a late goal at Petersfield.