TOTTON & ELING 0 - 8 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
DOWNTON 1 - 2 ANDOVER NEW STREET [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
New Street were made to fight all the way at Wick Lane on Tuesday night as they continued their promotion push against a Downton side who have themselves been on the fringe of the promotion battle for most of the season, The match attracted an attendance close to 200 and whilst those wearing home colours would have been disappointed with the result, they, along with everybody else, surely enjoyed an entertaining ninety minutes football, writes John Gorman.
Street fielded the same starting eleven as on Saturday but after keeper Sean O’Brien had saved at the feet of Ollie Davies, they were forced in to an early change as Adam Pearson replaced the limping Matt Scott before they took the lead after just ten minutes. A long ball from Danny Field was cleverly controlled by Shane Lock and slotted between the two central defenders for Reece RUSHER to coolly beat Matt Fredericks in the home goal.
The lead however lasted only three minutes as the visiting defence failed to deal with a cross field ball leaving DAVIES free on the left to close in and slot the ball past O’Brien.
A New Street free kick was cleared to the edge of the area only for Liam Hibberd’s first time shot to cannon back in to play off the base of the post before a Davies break gave him space for a cross at the other end which Sam Howe headed the wrong side of the post. A miss perhaps and a let off for the visitors. This sparked a spell of Downton pressure with their quick breaks causing the Street defence considerable problems at times and O’Brien was at full stretch to keep out an effort from Howe before the half ended with Frederick literally taking a Rusher cross off Ross Cook’s head, and one suspects that the conversation in the home dressing room at half time centred on why they were not in front given they had enjoyed the greater share of the possession.
HT 1-1
New Street started the second half very much on the front foot with Lock seizing on a back pass and providing Cook with a shooting chance that Fredericks tipped over the bar. The resulting corner caused a scramble in the box during which the ball was cleared off the line. Cameron Thatcher replaced Harry Lawton as the visitors continued to press with the home side lacking the penetration of the first half though O’Brien did have to leave his are to head away a through ball.
Led by Hibberd, Street had control of the midfield with the home attacks too often being snuffed out before they reached the danger zone. Fredericks was now the busier keeper and with fifteen minutes remaining the visitors were in front with a superbly worked goal. Gosney’s control kept the ball in play on the left, his slide rule pass down the line sent Lock away and the cross from near the corner flag was lifted high in to the net by RUSHER at the far post. That was Gosney’s last involvement as Mikey Davis entered the fray and the experience of the visiting back four enabled Street to see the game out with just two more goal attempts of note, one at each end. A Davies cross shot flew past the far post and a Hibberd volley from a Rusher cross was deflected, painfully one imagines, wide for a corner.
FT 1-2
This was not really a game of two halves, more that the Street defence stopped the breaks, which had caused them trouble in the first half, at source with the attacks largely foundering before they could do any damage and the winning goal was worthy of winning any game. For the third game running the performance of the Match Officials was first class and the evening overall was a credit to both sides and the League.
Downton
M Fredericks , J Clark , S Danvers , W Mackie , S Moss , J Waters ( , C Butler , C Tyson , S Howe , M Laptas , O Davies 1
Subs
TJ Moseley , S Osmond , S Bell , B Smith , B Gulliver
Andover New Street
S O Brien , D Field , J Wright , J Ashleigh , M Scott ( Pearson ) , L Hibbert , S Locke , H Lawton( Thatcher ) , R Cook , R Rusher 2 , M Gosney ( Davies )
Subs
C Thatcher , M Davies , A Pearson , L Morris , J Jeffrey
Street fielded the same starting eleven as on Saturday but after keeper Sean O’Brien had saved at the feet of Ollie Davies, they were forced in to an early change as Adam Pearson replaced the limping Matt Scott before they took the lead after just ten minutes. A long ball from Danny Field was cleverly controlled by Shane Lock and slotted between the two central defenders for Reece RUSHER to coolly beat Matt Fredericks in the home goal.
The lead however lasted only three minutes as the visiting defence failed to deal with a cross field ball leaving DAVIES free on the left to close in and slot the ball past O’Brien.
A New Street free kick was cleared to the edge of the area only for Liam Hibberd’s first time shot to cannon back in to play off the base of the post before a Davies break gave him space for a cross at the other end which Sam Howe headed the wrong side of the post. A miss perhaps and a let off for the visitors. This sparked a spell of Downton pressure with their quick breaks causing the Street defence considerable problems at times and O’Brien was at full stretch to keep out an effort from Howe before the half ended with Frederick literally taking a Rusher cross off Ross Cook’s head, and one suspects that the conversation in the home dressing room at half time centred on why they were not in front given they had enjoyed the greater share of the possession.
HT 1-1
New Street started the second half very much on the front foot with Lock seizing on a back pass and providing Cook with a shooting chance that Fredericks tipped over the bar. The resulting corner caused a scramble in the box during which the ball was cleared off the line. Cameron Thatcher replaced Harry Lawton as the visitors continued to press with the home side lacking the penetration of the first half though O’Brien did have to leave his are to head away a through ball.
Led by Hibberd, Street had control of the midfield with the home attacks too often being snuffed out before they reached the danger zone. Fredericks was now the busier keeper and with fifteen minutes remaining the visitors were in front with a superbly worked goal. Gosney’s control kept the ball in play on the left, his slide rule pass down the line sent Lock away and the cross from near the corner flag was lifted high in to the net by RUSHER at the far post. That was Gosney’s last involvement as Mikey Davis entered the fray and the experience of the visiting back four enabled Street to see the game out with just two more goal attempts of note, one at each end. A Davies cross shot flew past the far post and a Hibberd volley from a Rusher cross was deflected, painfully one imagines, wide for a corner.
FT 1-2
This was not really a game of two halves, more that the Street defence stopped the breaks, which had caused them trouble in the first half, at source with the attacks largely foundering before they could do any damage and the winning goal was worthy of winning any game. For the third game running the performance of the Match Officials was first class and the evening overall was a credit to both sides and the League.
Downton
M Fredericks , J Clark , S Danvers , W Mackie , S Moss , J Waters ( , C Butler , C Tyson , S Howe , M Laptas , O Davies 1
Subs
TJ Moseley , S Osmond , S Bell , B Smith , B Gulliver
Andover New Street
S O Brien , D Field , J Wright , J Ashleigh , M Scott ( Pearson ) , L Hibbert , S Locke , H Lawton( Thatcher ) , R Cook , R Rusher 2 , M Gosney ( Davies )
Subs
C Thatcher , M Davies , A Pearson , L Morris , J Jeffrey
DOWNTON 0 - 1 EAST COWES VICTORIA [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Today was the penultimate home game of the season - a season which has been fabulous for the club. We have moved on in leaps and bounds, both on and off the pitch.
East Cowes were the visitors to The Nest today and always seem to be a tough nut to crack when we play them at home. Today would be no different. The Vics arrived late due to an accident on the motorway but this did not put them off their game. They started as the better of the two sides and scored in the 19th minute with a goal from Sam Caut. This gave the visitors a lead to hang on to and it was up to The Robins to break them down in order to equalise and win the game. We created a few chances in what was left of the first half, but Alex Ram (in the Vics’ goal) was equal to the challenge.
In the second half we threw everything at the opposition, but sadly we could not get the ball into the net. Sam Howe ,Ollie Davies and TJ created good chances, but sadly it was not meant to be. We have to give credit to our visitors who fought for every ball. We tried everything to score but today was not our day.
Looking back, days like this and the Petersfield away game have probably cost us a play-off place; but overall the season has been a joy to watch. We have won the Wilts Cup for the first time since 1981 and the lads have played some lovely football whilst entertaining the increasing crowds at The Nest. Today, we saw a crowd of over 200 - for the sixth time this season. We also recorded our record crowd of 401 in a Wessex League game against Laverstock. With one home game to go, we are averaging 158 people per game at The Nest. Thank you to all who have attended this season.
Downton
1 M Fredericks , 2 J Clark , 3 S Osmond , 4 C Tyson , 5 W Mackie ( 15 B Smith ) , 6 D Clarke (12 TJ Moseley ) , 7 C Butler , 8 M Laptas , 9 S Howe , 10 O Davies , 11 R Owen (16 J Waters )
Subs Not Used -14 S Bell
East Cowes Vics
1 A Ram , 2 H Berry , 3 S Philipson ,4 O West , 5 R Gregory , 6 A White , 7 A Sherin , 8 K Woodford , 9 T Snow , 10 S Caut , 11 C Neserk
Subs - 12 J Turner ,14 J McNanny ,15 B Tuckey
East Cowes were the visitors to The Nest today and always seem to be a tough nut to crack when we play them at home. Today would be no different. The Vics arrived late due to an accident on the motorway but this did not put them off their game. They started as the better of the two sides and scored in the 19th minute with a goal from Sam Caut. This gave the visitors a lead to hang on to and it was up to The Robins to break them down in order to equalise and win the game. We created a few chances in what was left of the first half, but Alex Ram (in the Vics’ goal) was equal to the challenge.
In the second half we threw everything at the opposition, but sadly we could not get the ball into the net. Sam Howe ,Ollie Davies and TJ created good chances, but sadly it was not meant to be. We have to give credit to our visitors who fought for every ball. We tried everything to score but today was not our day.
Looking back, days like this and the Petersfield away game have probably cost us a play-off place; but overall the season has been a joy to watch. We have won the Wilts Cup for the first time since 1981 and the lads have played some lovely football whilst entertaining the increasing crowds at The Nest. Today, we saw a crowd of over 200 - for the sixth time this season. We also recorded our record crowd of 401 in a Wessex League game against Laverstock. With one home game to go, we are averaging 158 people per game at The Nest. Thank you to all who have attended this season.
Downton
1 M Fredericks , 2 J Clark , 3 S Osmond , 4 C Tyson , 5 W Mackie ( 15 B Smith ) , 6 D Clarke (12 TJ Moseley ) , 7 C Butler , 8 M Laptas , 9 S Howe , 10 O Davies , 11 R Owen (16 J Waters )
Subs Not Used -14 S Bell
East Cowes Vics
1 A Ram , 2 H Berry , 3 S Philipson ,4 O West , 5 R Gregory , 6 A White , 7 A Sherin , 8 K Woodford , 9 T Snow , 10 S Caut , 11 C Neserk
Subs - 12 J Turner ,14 J McNanny ,15 B Tuckey
MILLBROOK 0 - 4 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Millbrook 0
Downton 4 (S.Howe 48,76, O.Davies 63, R.Owen 88)
After an uncomfortable first half on a Test Park pitch that looked more suited to Southampton Sunday League football, visiting Downton followed up their midweek Wiltshire Senior Cup victory by riding out a difficult first half with chances limited for both sides. Perhaps a plough to plant some potatoes would have been more appropriate! Downton came out for the second half, and looked like they meant business as Sam Howe thundered them ahead in the 48th minute, and then whipped a vicious free kick over the 'Dockers' wall into the net with keeper Ed Kitcher rooted, for his second and the visitors third fourteen minutes from time.
There was also a telegram delivered for a Mr O.Davies, as striker Olllie was on hand to post the second goal. A dipping cross, and it was then a case of "pleased to meet you" as Robbie Owen wound back the clock, and completed the rout for the fourth goal two minutes from time to gift wrap the match. The game also saw long term injured forward Thomas Moseley getting some minutes in legs along with Sam Bell and Nathan Daubney making appearances. Millbrook were out of sorts, and James Lavender was sent off for the second time against Downton. Millbrook's best chance was a vicious dipping shot from Kyle Payne, that Matty Fredericks seemingly flicked onto the crossbar. Though the chances of repeating their win at the Nest in October were long gone.
Millbrook - Kitcher, Lavender, Baddams, Haines, Frampton, Daley, Stapleton, Goodwin, McCauley, Callaway, Payne
Subs - Harding, Pulio, Bennett, Webb
Sent off - Lavender.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Danvers, Moss, Mackie, Clarke, Butler, Laptas, Howe, Davies, Owen
Subs used - Bell, Daubney, Moseley
n/u - B.Smith
Officials- J.Byng, H.Waldron, A.Walker
Attendance - 60
Downton 4 (S.Howe 48,76, O.Davies 63, R.Owen 88)
After an uncomfortable first half on a Test Park pitch that looked more suited to Southampton Sunday League football, visiting Downton followed up their midweek Wiltshire Senior Cup victory by riding out a difficult first half with chances limited for both sides. Perhaps a plough to plant some potatoes would have been more appropriate! Downton came out for the second half, and looked like they meant business as Sam Howe thundered them ahead in the 48th minute, and then whipped a vicious free kick over the 'Dockers' wall into the net with keeper Ed Kitcher rooted, for his second and the visitors third fourteen minutes from time.
There was also a telegram delivered for a Mr O.Davies, as striker Olllie was on hand to post the second goal. A dipping cross, and it was then a case of "pleased to meet you" as Robbie Owen wound back the clock, and completed the rout for the fourth goal two minutes from time to gift wrap the match. The game also saw long term injured forward Thomas Moseley getting some minutes in legs along with Sam Bell and Nathan Daubney making appearances. Millbrook were out of sorts, and James Lavender was sent off for the second time against Downton. Millbrook's best chance was a vicious dipping shot from Kyle Payne, that Matty Fredericks seemingly flicked onto the crossbar. Though the chances of repeating their win at the Nest in October were long gone.
Millbrook - Kitcher, Lavender, Baddams, Haines, Frampton, Daley, Stapleton, Goodwin, McCauley, Callaway, Payne
Subs - Harding, Pulio, Bennett, Webb
Sent off - Lavender.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Danvers, Moss, Mackie, Clarke, Butler, Laptas, Howe, Davies, Owen
Subs used - Bell, Daubney, Moseley
n/u - B.Smith
Officials- J.Byng, H.Waldron, A.Walker
Attendance - 60
DOWNTON 2 - 0 BEMERTON HEATH [WILTS CUP FINAL 2021/22]
Downton 2 ( Ollie Davies , Sam Howe ) v Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0
Att 175 ( 100 plus from Downton )
Another trip to the superb Oakfield Stadium this time to play Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the Final of the Wiltshire Cup. Could the Robins win this trophy for the 3rd time in their history , the last being way back in 1980-81 when we beat Tisbury Utd.
Pre-game favorites were Bemmie in the eyes of the neutral with them sitting in first place in the League and the goals they have scored were far superior. Yet, as it sometimes is in the Cup, Downton were properly 'up' for this.
Our tactics worked perfectly; as we played on the front foot and squeezed the living daylights out of Bemmie whenever they had the ball. The amount of tackles won was immense all game ; the lads really were all over the park and never let up or lost their shape. If Carling made game plans...this was it.
Downton led after hitting the bar on 24 mins from a shot From Sam Howe , the rebound belted into the net by Ollie Davies.
We continued to break down Bemmie and recycle the ball and take it to our opponents for the whole of the half.
The 2 nd half was a a repeat of the opening half with the Robins creating more chances and letting Bemmie have none . If it was not for some fine blocking and keeping from Paddy Creese in goal , we would have scored more.
We finally scored our second in the 65 minute which was wonderfully finished by Hotshot Sam Howe as he blasted home giving Crease no chance when he found himself with a one on one. This is Sam Howes 29th goal of the season which is amazing when he played most of it as a left back.
We missed another good chance after another defensive mistake on 82 mins but Crease was again the only player stopping us from scoring more goals. Moments later he pulled off another superb save from substitute Robbie Owen.
The game ended with us attacking again against a shell shocked Bemmie side.
The whole squad were truly amazing tonight and fully deserved this victory . The whole club are so proud of Ben and his side and hopefully this is the first trophy of many
Up the Robins!
Att 175 ( 100 plus from Downton )
Another trip to the superb Oakfield Stadium this time to play Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the Final of the Wiltshire Cup. Could the Robins win this trophy for the 3rd time in their history , the last being way back in 1980-81 when we beat Tisbury Utd.
Pre-game favorites were Bemmie in the eyes of the neutral with them sitting in first place in the League and the goals they have scored were far superior. Yet, as it sometimes is in the Cup, Downton were properly 'up' for this.
Our tactics worked perfectly; as we played on the front foot and squeezed the living daylights out of Bemmie whenever they had the ball. The amount of tackles won was immense all game ; the lads really were all over the park and never let up or lost their shape. If Carling made game plans...this was it.
Downton led after hitting the bar on 24 mins from a shot From Sam Howe , the rebound belted into the net by Ollie Davies.
We continued to break down Bemmie and recycle the ball and take it to our opponents for the whole of the half.
The 2 nd half was a a repeat of the opening half with the Robins creating more chances and letting Bemmie have none . If it was not for some fine blocking and keeping from Paddy Creese in goal , we would have scored more.
We finally scored our second in the 65 minute which was wonderfully finished by Hotshot Sam Howe as he blasted home giving Crease no chance when he found himself with a one on one. This is Sam Howes 29th goal of the season which is amazing when he played most of it as a left back.
We missed another good chance after another defensive mistake on 82 mins but Crease was again the only player stopping us from scoring more goals. Moments later he pulled off another superb save from substitute Robbie Owen.
The game ended with us attacking again against a shell shocked Bemmie side.
The whole squad were truly amazing tonight and fully deserved this victory . The whole club are so proud of Ben and his side and hopefully this is the first trophy of many
Up the Robins!
DOWNTON 5 - 0 ASH UNITED [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 5 (Moss 88, 84, 65, Clarke 54, Davies 6)
Ash United 0
"After nearly a month away from home, the Robins returned to the Nest to face struggling Ash United. It was good to see TJ Moseley return to the bench after a long period out with a nasty injury. The Robins took control in windy conditions early on against a youthful looking Ash United team, who have had a difficult season since being transferred from the Combined Counties League. The Robins winning 2-0 in Surrey back in September completing another double, and bouncing back from the woes of Petersfield last week. Without leading scorer Sam Howe and Shaun Prentice who was unavailable and the side rotated to accommodate Sam Bell to start wide along with Cameron Butler. It was Ollie Davies who opened up the scoring in the 6th minute. After that, with the Robins kicking into the wind, it was hard to get any clarity or purchase on anything for the rest of the 1st Half .
Danny Clarke put Downton further ahead by cutting inside after 54 minutes, and placing a lovely shot past the diving Sam Heard in the Ash United goal. It was then just a case of how many Downton would score in all honesty. After a flurry of corners Sam Moss rose like a salmon to head in the third goal in the 65th minute with the United defence static. This put the game pretty much to bed. There was more to come from Moss as he went on to complete a hat trick.
With more in the locker, the defender fired home the fourth goal with six minutes left after a goal mouth scramble, nearly breaking the net. With three minutes left he made it 5-0, and his 'Hatty' (hat trick) ,which surprised everyone including himself . I was very pleased for 'Mossy' as he is a lovely lad. Downton are now on 59 points and the 138 crowd keeps the average to 150, as more Robins pour into the Nest. This means over 3,000 people have passed through the gate this season. Something to be very proud of. As for Ash United, I hope they can find some success, and maybe they will return to the Combined Counties League as it's not been easy for them this season. Good they are bringing on the young players."
Downton- Fredericks, Clark, Danvers, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Butler, Clarke, Davies, Laptas, Bell
Subs used- Moseley, P.Gulliver, Owen
Not used - B.Smith
Ash United- Heard, Green, Bale, K.Smith, Roper, A.Smith, Hedley, Staines, Cairus, Bond, Lindsay
Subs - Lycett, Webster, Lambell, Billingham
Officials- A.Liddiard, A.Brown, A.Autigro
Attendance-138.
Ash United 0
"After nearly a month away from home, the Robins returned to the Nest to face struggling Ash United. It was good to see TJ Moseley return to the bench after a long period out with a nasty injury. The Robins took control in windy conditions early on against a youthful looking Ash United team, who have had a difficult season since being transferred from the Combined Counties League. The Robins winning 2-0 in Surrey back in September completing another double, and bouncing back from the woes of Petersfield last week. Without leading scorer Sam Howe and Shaun Prentice who was unavailable and the side rotated to accommodate Sam Bell to start wide along with Cameron Butler. It was Ollie Davies who opened up the scoring in the 6th minute. After that, with the Robins kicking into the wind, it was hard to get any clarity or purchase on anything for the rest of the 1st Half .
Danny Clarke put Downton further ahead by cutting inside after 54 minutes, and placing a lovely shot past the diving Sam Heard in the Ash United goal. It was then just a case of how many Downton would score in all honesty. After a flurry of corners Sam Moss rose like a salmon to head in the third goal in the 65th minute with the United defence static. This put the game pretty much to bed. There was more to come from Moss as he went on to complete a hat trick.
With more in the locker, the defender fired home the fourth goal with six minutes left after a goal mouth scramble, nearly breaking the net. With three minutes left he made it 5-0, and his 'Hatty' (hat trick) ,which surprised everyone including himself . I was very pleased for 'Mossy' as he is a lovely lad. Downton are now on 59 points and the 138 crowd keeps the average to 150, as more Robins pour into the Nest. This means over 3,000 people have passed through the gate this season. Something to be very proud of. As for Ash United, I hope they can find some success, and maybe they will return to the Combined Counties League as it's not been easy for them this season. Good they are bringing on the young players."
Downton- Fredericks, Clark, Danvers, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Butler, Clarke, Davies, Laptas, Bell
Subs used- Moseley, P.Gulliver, Owen
Not used - B.Smith
Ash United- Heard, Green, Bale, K.Smith, Roper, A.Smith, Hedley, Staines, Cairus, Bond, Lindsay
Subs - Lycett, Webster, Lambell, Billingham
Officials- A.Liddiard, A.Brown, A.Autigro
Attendance-138.
DOWNTON 1 - 0 MALMESBURY VICS [WILTS CUP SF 2021/22]
Malmesbury Victoria 0
Downton 1 (Howe Pen 70)
"Downton travelled to North Wiltshire to face Malmesbury Victoria, who ply their trade in the Hellenic League Division 1, also step 6. The Vics have former football league striker Chris Zebroski in their line up in this semi final, that both games are played at neutral venues.
The game started with an edgy feel to it, with neither side wanting to commit too much early doors (cat and mouse I believe it's known as). After 25 minutes Downton had their first chance through Ollie Davies, which Malmesbury keeper Adam Chatworthy got his paws too. Sam Howe then went in search of the cream yet nothing came of it. The cream remaining in the jar for now. Downton then road their luck when James Clark ended a Vics attack, and the travelling Robins feared a call for a penalty kick. Nothing was given, and their was relief amongst the Robins players, bench and fans.
The second half saw Vics hit the bar, yet it was Downton who broke the deadlock when Cameron Butler broke free and was hauled down. Penalty! Sam Howe stepped up and confidently put away the spot kick. Now he really was the cat that got the cream, and his 28th goal of the season. Ollie Davies and Shaun Prentice had chances and found Chatworthy in equal measure to them on each occasion. The whistle blew, and Downton were into the final to face local rivals Bemerton Heath Harlequins at the same venue on Tuesday 15th March. A happy throng of Robins left to much joy, and some even engaged in some fizzy pop at the plush Oakfields bar. It will be very much a tough ask against the leaders in Division 1, though Robins are plucky. All support is welcome in red and white."
Malmesbury Victoria- No line up available.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolfarth, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Butler (Clarke), Laptas, Howe, Davies,Prentice
Subs not used - B.Gulliver, S.Osmond, B.Smith
Attendance- 135
Downton 1 (Howe Pen 70)
"Downton travelled to North Wiltshire to face Malmesbury Victoria, who ply their trade in the Hellenic League Division 1, also step 6. The Vics have former football league striker Chris Zebroski in their line up in this semi final, that both games are played at neutral venues.
The game started with an edgy feel to it, with neither side wanting to commit too much early doors (cat and mouse I believe it's known as). After 25 minutes Downton had their first chance through Ollie Davies, which Malmesbury keeper Adam Chatworthy got his paws too. Sam Howe then went in search of the cream yet nothing came of it. The cream remaining in the jar for now. Downton then road their luck when James Clark ended a Vics attack, and the travelling Robins feared a call for a penalty kick. Nothing was given, and their was relief amongst the Robins players, bench and fans.
The second half saw Vics hit the bar, yet it was Downton who broke the deadlock when Cameron Butler broke free and was hauled down. Penalty! Sam Howe stepped up and confidently put away the spot kick. Now he really was the cat that got the cream, and his 28th goal of the season. Ollie Davies and Shaun Prentice had chances and found Chatworthy in equal measure to them on each occasion. The whistle blew, and Downton were into the final to face local rivals Bemerton Heath Harlequins at the same venue on Tuesday 15th March. A happy throng of Robins left to much joy, and some even engaged in some fizzy pop at the plush Oakfields bar. It will be very much a tough ask against the leaders in Division 1, though Robins are plucky. All support is welcome in red and white."
Malmesbury Victoria- No line up available.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolfarth, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Butler (Clarke), Laptas, Howe, Davies,Prentice
Subs not used - B.Gulliver, S.Osmond, B.Smith
Attendance- 135
PETERSFIELD TOWN 3 - 2 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Petersfield Town 3 (Ehikpa 42, Oakwell 87, Orepo 90)
Downton 2 (Davies pen 49, 65)
"The Robins arrived at the wonderfully named Love Lane ground with several players missing, yet with a competitive squad available. The first few minutes of the game ebbed and flowed with neither side taking advantage. Shaun Prentice had the first effort on goal in the 15th minute, which was saved by Tim Jackson. Petersfield Town were engineering the game in midfield with Cameron Smith mustering up the Rams first effort on Matt Fredericks goal in the 18th minute. The first half pretty much a non event, until Aaron Akoman Ehikpa broke through the Robins defence to slot the ball under Fredericks. Rams 1 Robins 0, much to the delight of the Petersfield Town Ultras behind the goal.
Downton manager Ben Smith would no doubt of rallied his troops with the parting of the yellow and blue sea no doubt irking the gaffer. In the 48th minute Paul Gulliver was brought down after recycling play after a corner. Ollie Davies slotted home the resultant penalty. Rams 1 Robins 1! From lambs to lions, from Rams, over to Robins, and Downton went ahead when Seb Osmond's cross was pawed out by Jackson for Oliie Davies to slot home. Rams 1 Robins 2! Josh Cummings had a further effort, yet could not convert his chance.
'Ewe' could tell what was going to happen as Petersfield Town stepped up a gear and made changes from the substitutes bench. Cameron Smith hit the crossbar as Town came on strong. Fifteen minutes to play, substitute Charlie Oakwell was repelled by Fredericks. He amended that by levelling the scores by curling a free kick round the wall and in off the base of the post. Rams 2 Robins 2! Seconds remaining and a cross into the box menacing the Robins defence as it lingered for substitute Marvin Orepo to side foot the ball home. Goal! Rams 3 Robins 2. The memory of TJ's late wonder strike here last season drifting over the fields towards Sussex. Full credit to Petersfield Town who never gave up and jubilant scenes followed encapsulating the Love Lane ground as we left, with our feathers well and truly ruffled".
Petersfield Town - Jackson, Burton, Merritt, Agbesyi, Cooper, Kennedy, Alcock, Smith, Jewell, Randall, Akoman
Subs used - Oakwell, Orepo
Not used - Evans, Dexter-Garratt, Stephens -Truman
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Osmond, Moss, P. Gulliver, McGregor, Butler, Laptas, Ewins, Davies, Prentice
Subs used - B.Smith, Cummings
Not used - J.Smith, B.Gulliver
Officials - T.Wells, K.Robinson, S.Tiller
Attendance - 116 (19 Robins)
Downton 2 (Davies pen 49, 65)
"The Robins arrived at the wonderfully named Love Lane ground with several players missing, yet with a competitive squad available. The first few minutes of the game ebbed and flowed with neither side taking advantage. Shaun Prentice had the first effort on goal in the 15th minute, which was saved by Tim Jackson. Petersfield Town were engineering the game in midfield with Cameron Smith mustering up the Rams first effort on Matt Fredericks goal in the 18th minute. The first half pretty much a non event, until Aaron Akoman Ehikpa broke through the Robins defence to slot the ball under Fredericks. Rams 1 Robins 0, much to the delight of the Petersfield Town Ultras behind the goal.
Downton manager Ben Smith would no doubt of rallied his troops with the parting of the yellow and blue sea no doubt irking the gaffer. In the 48th minute Paul Gulliver was brought down after recycling play after a corner. Ollie Davies slotted home the resultant penalty. Rams 1 Robins 1! From lambs to lions, from Rams, over to Robins, and Downton went ahead when Seb Osmond's cross was pawed out by Jackson for Oliie Davies to slot home. Rams 1 Robins 2! Josh Cummings had a further effort, yet could not convert his chance.
'Ewe' could tell what was going to happen as Petersfield Town stepped up a gear and made changes from the substitutes bench. Cameron Smith hit the crossbar as Town came on strong. Fifteen minutes to play, substitute Charlie Oakwell was repelled by Fredericks. He amended that by levelling the scores by curling a free kick round the wall and in off the base of the post. Rams 2 Robins 2! Seconds remaining and a cross into the box menacing the Robins defence as it lingered for substitute Marvin Orepo to side foot the ball home. Goal! Rams 3 Robins 2. The memory of TJ's late wonder strike here last season drifting over the fields towards Sussex. Full credit to Petersfield Town who never gave up and jubilant scenes followed encapsulating the Love Lane ground as we left, with our feathers well and truly ruffled".
Petersfield Town - Jackson, Burton, Merritt, Agbesyi, Cooper, Kennedy, Alcock, Smith, Jewell, Randall, Akoman
Subs used - Oakwell, Orepo
Not used - Evans, Dexter-Garratt, Stephens -Truman
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Osmond, Moss, P. Gulliver, McGregor, Butler, Laptas, Ewins, Davies, Prentice
Subs used - B.Smith, Cummings
Not used - J.Smith, B.Gulliver
Officials - T.Wells, K.Robinson, S.Tiller
Attendance - 116 (19 Robins)
FAWLEY AFC 0 - 3 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (26/2/22)
Fawley AFC 0
Downton 3 (Davies 47, D.Clarke 57, Howe 75 pen)
Christopher Garvey reports from the Aliport Arena as the Robins exorcise the ghost of last seasons horror show in Hampshire.
"The Aliport Arena has not been the luckiest ground for Downton in recent times as the Robins looked to rectify that without their leader and manager Ben Smith who was away from the dugout today. The match had started quite evenly. Dec Hartigan had an effort for the 'Oilers' that Matty Fredericks dealt with quite easily. Downton started to press, and Sam Howe, Shaun Prentice and Ollie Davies all created opportunities at the home goalkeeper Lee Burch. The first half went by with the Robins growing into the game and starting to fluff their feathers.
Fawley AFC made inroads with Steven Green providing the energy in the middle of the park. From a Downton perspective it was best to steer the ship into port at the break at 0-0, which they safely did. With the ship moored and anchored, it was time to take stock and see what could be done in the second forty five. Two minutes into the second half former Verwood Town man Davies answered the call. Thundering a shot with aplomb into the 'Oilers' net that defied Burch as it passed him to send the thirty Robins fans ecstatic. There was more to come.
Downton created more chances, which Burch was equal too, yet he couldn't stop substitute Danny Clarke ten minutes later as he netted the second goal. The game was finished when the impressive Sam Danvers (on his debut), went on a mazy run from left back only to be hauled down in the penalty box in the 75th minute. Sam Howe stepped up to convert his 27th goal of the season and truly reverse the memories of the defeat by the same scoreline last season."
Attendance - 73 (30 Robins)
Fawley AFC- Burch, Sayce, Stuttard, Earl, Green, Rafferty, Clifton, Bolton, Sawyer, Hartigan, Berry
Subs used - Lilley, Elkins, Knight
Not used - Sheath
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Danvers, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Butler, Laptas, Howe, Davies, Prentice
Subs used - Bell, Clarke
Not used - J.Smith
Officials- L.White, B.Gower, L.Chafe
Fawley AFC 0
Downton 3 (Davies 47, D.Clarke 57, Howe 75 pen)
Christopher Garvey reports from the Aliport Arena as the Robins exorcise the ghost of last seasons horror show in Hampshire.
"The Aliport Arena has not been the luckiest ground for Downton in recent times as the Robins looked to rectify that without their leader and manager Ben Smith who was away from the dugout today. The match had started quite evenly. Dec Hartigan had an effort for the 'Oilers' that Matty Fredericks dealt with quite easily. Downton started to press, and Sam Howe, Shaun Prentice and Ollie Davies all created opportunities at the home goalkeeper Lee Burch. The first half went by with the Robins growing into the game and starting to fluff their feathers.
Fawley AFC made inroads with Steven Green providing the energy in the middle of the park. From a Downton perspective it was best to steer the ship into port at the break at 0-0, which they safely did. With the ship moored and anchored, it was time to take stock and see what could be done in the second forty five. Two minutes into the second half former Verwood Town man Davies answered the call. Thundering a shot with aplomb into the 'Oilers' net that defied Burch as it passed him to send the thirty Robins fans ecstatic. There was more to come.
Downton created more chances, which Burch was equal too, yet he couldn't stop substitute Danny Clarke ten minutes later as he netted the second goal. The game was finished when the impressive Sam Danvers (on his debut), went on a mazy run from left back only to be hauled down in the penalty box in the 75th minute. Sam Howe stepped up to convert his 27th goal of the season and truly reverse the memories of the defeat by the same scoreline last season."
Attendance - 73 (30 Robins)
Fawley AFC- Burch, Sayce, Stuttard, Earl, Green, Rafferty, Clifton, Bolton, Sawyer, Hartigan, Berry
Subs used - Lilley, Elkins, Knight
Not used - Sheath
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Danvers, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Butler, Laptas, Howe, Davies, Prentice
Subs used - Bell, Clarke
Not used - J.Smith
Officials- L.White, B.Gower, L.Chafe
ROMSEY TOWN 1 - 3 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (12/2/22)
Romsey Town 1
Downton 3 (Howe x 3)
Romsey Town 1
Downton 3 (Howe x 3)
DOWNTON 2 - 0 FLEET SPURS [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (8/2/22)
Downton 2 (Davies 51, Howe 79)
Fleet Spurs 0
The Robins took a second double in four days against struggling Fleet Spurs, who showed a lot of resolve in this Wessex League Division 1 encounter, looking a much improved side than the one we defeated 6-2 away in December. New signing from Verwood Town Ollie Davies made his debut, with Paul Gulliver and Ben Smith both starting, along with Seb Osmond, and Sam Moss moving into the left back berth instead of Will Mackie (who was studying). Declan McGregor returning to the bench as Jamie Smith was unavailable tonight, so Dan Clarke took responsibility in midfield with Marcel Laptas and Cameron Butler. Spurs could have taken the lead in the 14th minute when Thomas White hit a thumping shot that was brilliantly pushed away by Matt Fredericks. The visitors looked lively and Gulliver gave the defence shape, clearing the danger with Ryan Goddard, Kai Francis and White looking to breach the Robins back four early on.
Shaun Prentice had Downton's first real effort with a skimming shot that visiting custodian Aaron Bufton was glad to see just go wide. There was little in it in the first half, though Bufton made a superb blocked save as Davies broke through aiming to submit the first installment of his Robins career.
The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute with Davies capitalising on some indecision as the visitors failed to clear, to rasp the ball past Bufton into the net to put the Robins ahead. Fleet Spurs responded by absolutely cracking the crossbar (I believe it was Francis that hit it) through a cluster of players past a diving Fredericks. It was an impressive hit and would have been a great goal even if it was against us! Prentice showed great pace, and broke from wide to pin point a cross that Davies flicked just wide of the post. Craig Tyson entered the fray for Osmond, as Downton pushed up and this was to pay off in the 79th minute.
Davies turned provider when he got to the byline and Sam Howe was on hand to turn the ball over the line past a scrambling Bufton to make it 2-0. The ball nestling in the net for his 24th goal of an incredible campaign for the left back turned striker. Howe made way for McGregor to add some grit into proceedings and steer the ship home, along with Tyson battening down the hatches. Archie Ford replaced Gulliver for his first team debut, with the experienced centre half having earnt his corn. There was some late tomfoolery in the box, or I thought outside it as substitute Jaheim Conteh hauled Davies over. The referee awarded a penalty, which Ben Smith stepped up to fire over the bar. That was the last kick of the game, and despite the miss it was a very good three points earnt.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond (Tyson), Moss, P.Gulliver (Ford), B.Smith, Clarke, Butler, Laptas, Howe (McGregor), Davies, Prentice
Subs n/u - Bell, R.Smith
Fleet Spurs - Bufton, Dalton, Bush, Kauaido (Morris), Small, Farmidge (Conteh), Dos Santos Sarvia, Holmes, White, Francis, Goddard (Pinto)
Subs n/u - Kemp
Officials - M.Paintin, H.Evans, M.Robertson
Attendance - 90
Downton 2 (Davies 51, Howe 79)
Fleet Spurs 0
The Robins took a second double in four days against struggling Fleet Spurs, who showed a lot of resolve in this Wessex League Division 1 encounter, looking a much improved side than the one we defeated 6-2 away in December. New signing from Verwood Town Ollie Davies made his debut, with Paul Gulliver and Ben Smith both starting, along with Seb Osmond, and Sam Moss moving into the left back berth instead of Will Mackie (who was studying). Declan McGregor returning to the bench as Jamie Smith was unavailable tonight, so Dan Clarke took responsibility in midfield with Marcel Laptas and Cameron Butler. Spurs could have taken the lead in the 14th minute when Thomas White hit a thumping shot that was brilliantly pushed away by Matt Fredericks. The visitors looked lively and Gulliver gave the defence shape, clearing the danger with Ryan Goddard, Kai Francis and White looking to breach the Robins back four early on.
Shaun Prentice had Downton's first real effort with a skimming shot that visiting custodian Aaron Bufton was glad to see just go wide. There was little in it in the first half, though Bufton made a superb blocked save as Davies broke through aiming to submit the first installment of his Robins career.
The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute with Davies capitalising on some indecision as the visitors failed to clear, to rasp the ball past Bufton into the net to put the Robins ahead. Fleet Spurs responded by absolutely cracking the crossbar (I believe it was Francis that hit it) through a cluster of players past a diving Fredericks. It was an impressive hit and would have been a great goal even if it was against us! Prentice showed great pace, and broke from wide to pin point a cross that Davies flicked just wide of the post. Craig Tyson entered the fray for Osmond, as Downton pushed up and this was to pay off in the 79th minute.
Davies turned provider when he got to the byline and Sam Howe was on hand to turn the ball over the line past a scrambling Bufton to make it 2-0. The ball nestling in the net for his 24th goal of an incredible campaign for the left back turned striker. Howe made way for McGregor to add some grit into proceedings and steer the ship home, along with Tyson battening down the hatches. Archie Ford replaced Gulliver for his first team debut, with the experienced centre half having earnt his corn. There was some late tomfoolery in the box, or I thought outside it as substitute Jaheim Conteh hauled Davies over. The referee awarded a penalty, which Ben Smith stepped up to fire over the bar. That was the last kick of the game, and despite the miss it was a very good three points earnt.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond (Tyson), Moss, P.Gulliver (Ford), B.Smith, Clarke, Butler, Laptas, Howe (McGregor), Davies, Prentice
Subs n/u - Bell, R.Smith
Fleet Spurs - Bufton, Dalton, Bush, Kauaido (Morris), Small, Farmidge (Conteh), Dos Santos Sarvia, Holmes, White, Francis, Goddard (Pinto)
Subs n/u - Kemp
Officials - M.Paintin, H.Evans, M.Robertson
Attendance - 90
DOWNTON 3 - 0 WHITCHURCH UTD [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1
Downton 3 (Howe 20, Prentice 86, 90+2)
Whitchurch United 0
The Robins returned to form after the decimation at Andover Town with an emphatic scoreline which was a bit harsh on Whitchurch United, yet testimony to the team for grinding out a hard fought victory in difficult conditions, as the Robins produced a quickfire double after winning at Longmeadow. Whitchurch started the brighter with Cameron George fizzing an effort at Matty Fredericks goal, and generally they dominated the opening exchanges. It wasn't until Sam Howe sent a looping header over Chris Wing to open the scoring after 20 minutes, had we offered much to start with. Still in a season like this that is back to back games, with Isa getting a lot of weary warriors visiting the treatment room, we will take what we can get. This game was no exception. The 'Jamboys' had won 3-2 here last season and did threaten to repeat such a feat.
With Jamie Smith back to steady the ship, and Seb Osmond filling in for James Clark the players kept at it. Marcel Laptas chivvied at the visitors while Shaun Prentice endeavoured to get back on the scoresheet. Wing superbly blocked Prentice, who was clean through straight after Howe's opener to deny the Robins a second goal. Wing then pulled up badly and was replaced by Harrison Mott between the posts, no doubt as a result of taking one for the team, and with his afternoon over he hobbled off to the warmth of the Nests changing rooms. The visitors should have gone in level at halftime when Nick Yeomans blasted a shot when in clear sight of goal with some venom, that really if the net had rippled, we couldn't have complained. Luckily it rebounded of the advertising boards!
Ben Smith introduced midweek hat trick hero for Dorchester Town U23'S Reuben Smith into the fray for Ben Starr, and he got about the 'Jamboys' a bit, rustling up the front line causing Mott to produce an excellent save tipping round the strikers effort to keep the visitors in the game. Whitchurch replaced George with Declan Shuttleworth. The substitute breaking wide and pinpointing a cross for fellow substitute Harry Edmondson to power against the post. It really should have been the leveller in all honesty.
With four minutes left Howe turned provider digging out a cross that allowed Prentice to bundle it over the line with Whitchurch desperately trying to keep it out. It was indeed 'Prento'Time' and the Nest breathed a sigh of relief, banishing the memory of Andover Town at the same time. In injury time Mott hit a backpass straight at Prentice who gratefully put the ball into the net for his second goal to seal a 3-0 win. It was a bit of a harsh score line for the visitors to be fair, in a game that was a lot more even than a three goal defeat, yet full credit to the players for digging this one out.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond, Mackie, Kitcher, J.Smith, Laptas, Butler, Starr (R.Smith), Howe, Clarke (Bell), Prentice
Subs n/u - Moss, B.Smith
Whitchurch United - Wing (Mott), Brannigan, Rutledge, K Williams, Shade (Edmondson), Capper, Beattie, Yeomans, Parry, George (Shuttleworth), Powell
Subs n/u - Clarke, Sherlock
Officials - A.Kennard, G.Cash, J.Frame
Attendance - 122
Downton 3 (Howe 20, Prentice 86, 90+2)
Whitchurch United 0
The Robins returned to form after the decimation at Andover Town with an emphatic scoreline which was a bit harsh on Whitchurch United, yet testimony to the team for grinding out a hard fought victory in difficult conditions, as the Robins produced a quickfire double after winning at Longmeadow. Whitchurch started the brighter with Cameron George fizzing an effort at Matty Fredericks goal, and generally they dominated the opening exchanges. It wasn't until Sam Howe sent a looping header over Chris Wing to open the scoring after 20 minutes, had we offered much to start with. Still in a season like this that is back to back games, with Isa getting a lot of weary warriors visiting the treatment room, we will take what we can get. This game was no exception. The 'Jamboys' had won 3-2 here last season and did threaten to repeat such a feat.
With Jamie Smith back to steady the ship, and Seb Osmond filling in for James Clark the players kept at it. Marcel Laptas chivvied at the visitors while Shaun Prentice endeavoured to get back on the scoresheet. Wing superbly blocked Prentice, who was clean through straight after Howe's opener to deny the Robins a second goal. Wing then pulled up badly and was replaced by Harrison Mott between the posts, no doubt as a result of taking one for the team, and with his afternoon over he hobbled off to the warmth of the Nests changing rooms. The visitors should have gone in level at halftime when Nick Yeomans blasted a shot when in clear sight of goal with some venom, that really if the net had rippled, we couldn't have complained. Luckily it rebounded of the advertising boards!
Ben Smith introduced midweek hat trick hero for Dorchester Town U23'S Reuben Smith into the fray for Ben Starr, and he got about the 'Jamboys' a bit, rustling up the front line causing Mott to produce an excellent save tipping round the strikers effort to keep the visitors in the game. Whitchurch replaced George with Declan Shuttleworth. The substitute breaking wide and pinpointing a cross for fellow substitute Harry Edmondson to power against the post. It really should have been the leveller in all honesty.
With four minutes left Howe turned provider digging out a cross that allowed Prentice to bundle it over the line with Whitchurch desperately trying to keep it out. It was indeed 'Prento'Time' and the Nest breathed a sigh of relief, banishing the memory of Andover Town at the same time. In injury time Mott hit a backpass straight at Prentice who gratefully put the ball into the net for his second goal to seal a 3-0 win. It was a bit of a harsh score line for the visitors to be fair, in a game that was a lot more even than a three goal defeat, yet full credit to the players for digging this one out.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond, Mackie, Kitcher, J.Smith, Laptas, Butler, Starr (R.Smith), Howe, Clarke (Bell), Prentice
Subs n/u - Moss, B.Smith
Whitchurch United - Wing (Mott), Brannigan, Rutledge, K Williams, Shade (Edmondson), Capper, Beattie, Yeomans, Parry, George (Shuttleworth), Powell
Subs n/u - Clarke, Sherlock
Officials - A.Kennard, G.Cash, J.Frame
Attendance - 122
ANDOVER TOWN 5 - 0 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (1/2/22)
Andover Town 5 (Griffiths 1, 26, 90+5, Jerrard 62, Higgins 90+3)
Downton 0
After being on a training course at work all day most would head home. Oh no, not me! Joining up with the Garvey & Emmens gang, it's a Tuesday night out in Andover like you do, don't you? We hoist the flags up on what resembles a garden fence in the away paddock. Around 1945 hours it's advert time in soapland, what is that dozy policeman going to do next in Corrie? We are 1-0 down after 45 seconds by the time that happens. Ryan Sion Griffiths turning in a corner past Matty Fredericks. It's going to be one of those episodes! Sion Griffiths is on the money and breaks clear of the Robins defence to score the second, and in truth it's pretty much game over. Perhaps let's look at the bigger picture tonight. If we can get wins against Whitchurch United and Fleet Spurs at the Nest that would be six points from nine. Not a bad return if that was to be the case.
Davis Jerrard all but finishes us off with a looping header over Fredericks, which floats over him and nestles in the net like an errant party balloon when it eventually lands in a tree. This all but finishes us off completely, and it's 3-0. This is what it is tonight. You have to take the rough with the smooth. Our tired warriors are spent from a tussle with the leaders on Saturday, yet Andover Town will be the new guitar in town and go top. Though the Harlequins have a game in hand. Some of their players are here tonight and wanting a Robins win no doubt. Sorry Bemmy.
That of course remains to be seen who will lift the silver, and nothing, absolutely nothing can be taken for granted in the Wessex League. Nor can it be predicted. Newport IOW have five games in hand, so anything might happen as the following weeks unravel from Winter. The assistant has pulled up injured, so could any gent or lady in the crowd step up to the flag? There is a delay in play, this proves to be costly for the Robins later on and profitable for the home side.
An Andover man runs out in a black jacket to take up his position on the far side of the Portway Stadium. The game restarts, and even though we are getting trollied no one wants an abandonment this season!
Ben Smith is at centre half and probably would wish he was in the dugout. Without Jamie Smith to break up play, this is a long night for the players, as Sion Griffiths darts around the danger area. Seb Osmond starts at left back, and without Tyson or Waters there as well the Robins defence is under pressure. Sam Howe is kept at bay, along with Marcel Laptas as Andover Town totally marshall any creativity they try to offer. We have held Folland Sports, Lavvy and Bemmy recently, though we are unable to get anywhere near Andover Town tonight. Robins don't make excuses, we are getting beaten fair and square.
Time added on for stoppages yields defender George Higgins joining the party, drilling home to make it 4-0, before Fredericks catches Sion Griffiths and a penalty is awarded. Fredericks saves it, yet striker smashes home the rebound to complete his hat trick. Andover Town walk off to a rousing reception. I make sure I applaud them, and it's right to do so, as you must show dignity in defeat. My feathers are not ruffled, and a robin must sit on its perch and be resilient, colours true.
This is not time for negativity. There are two home games coming up against Whitchurch United (who we defeated last week), and Fleet Spurs. Where as no one will assume they will both stand aside to aid our cause there is a chance. To be honest I enjoyed my night out, and as much as I am curious to know what that daft fictional policeman does next in Corrie, I'm glad I'm here to support the lads.
Andover Town - Stenybourne Busse, Higgins, Pattinson, Holmes, Cullingford, Owen, Watson (Turner), Ritchie (Ebieri), Sion Griffiths, Jarrard (Trapnell), Emans
Subs n/u - Bertie, Smith
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (B.Gulliver), Osmond, Moss, B.Smith, Kitcher, Butler, Laptas, Howe (P.Gulliver), Owen (R Smith), Prentice
Subs n/u - Mackie, Bell
Attendance - 178
Andover Town 5 (Griffiths 1, 26, 90+5, Jerrard 62, Higgins 90+3)
Downton 0
After being on a training course at work all day most would head home. Oh no, not me! Joining up with the Garvey & Emmens gang, it's a Tuesday night out in Andover like you do, don't you? We hoist the flags up on what resembles a garden fence in the away paddock. Around 1945 hours it's advert time in soapland, what is that dozy policeman going to do next in Corrie? We are 1-0 down after 45 seconds by the time that happens. Ryan Sion Griffiths turning in a corner past Matty Fredericks. It's going to be one of those episodes! Sion Griffiths is on the money and breaks clear of the Robins defence to score the second, and in truth it's pretty much game over. Perhaps let's look at the bigger picture tonight. If we can get wins against Whitchurch United and Fleet Spurs at the Nest that would be six points from nine. Not a bad return if that was to be the case.
Davis Jerrard all but finishes us off with a looping header over Fredericks, which floats over him and nestles in the net like an errant party balloon when it eventually lands in a tree. This all but finishes us off completely, and it's 3-0. This is what it is tonight. You have to take the rough with the smooth. Our tired warriors are spent from a tussle with the leaders on Saturday, yet Andover Town will be the new guitar in town and go top. Though the Harlequins have a game in hand. Some of their players are here tonight and wanting a Robins win no doubt. Sorry Bemmy.
That of course remains to be seen who will lift the silver, and nothing, absolutely nothing can be taken for granted in the Wessex League. Nor can it be predicted. Newport IOW have five games in hand, so anything might happen as the following weeks unravel from Winter. The assistant has pulled up injured, so could any gent or lady in the crowd step up to the flag? There is a delay in play, this proves to be costly for the Robins later on and profitable for the home side.
An Andover man runs out in a black jacket to take up his position on the far side of the Portway Stadium. The game restarts, and even though we are getting trollied no one wants an abandonment this season!
Ben Smith is at centre half and probably would wish he was in the dugout. Without Jamie Smith to break up play, this is a long night for the players, as Sion Griffiths darts around the danger area. Seb Osmond starts at left back, and without Tyson or Waters there as well the Robins defence is under pressure. Sam Howe is kept at bay, along with Marcel Laptas as Andover Town totally marshall any creativity they try to offer. We have held Folland Sports, Lavvy and Bemmy recently, though we are unable to get anywhere near Andover Town tonight. Robins don't make excuses, we are getting beaten fair and square.
Time added on for stoppages yields defender George Higgins joining the party, drilling home to make it 4-0, before Fredericks catches Sion Griffiths and a penalty is awarded. Fredericks saves it, yet striker smashes home the rebound to complete his hat trick. Andover Town walk off to a rousing reception. I make sure I applaud them, and it's right to do so, as you must show dignity in defeat. My feathers are not ruffled, and a robin must sit on its perch and be resilient, colours true.
This is not time for negativity. There are two home games coming up against Whitchurch United (who we defeated last week), and Fleet Spurs. Where as no one will assume they will both stand aside to aid our cause there is a chance. To be honest I enjoyed my night out, and as much as I am curious to know what that daft fictional policeman does next in Corrie, I'm glad I'm here to support the lads.
Andover Town - Stenybourne Busse, Higgins, Pattinson, Holmes, Cullingford, Owen, Watson (Turner), Ritchie (Ebieri), Sion Griffiths, Jarrard (Trapnell), Emans
Subs n/u - Bertie, Smith
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (B.Gulliver), Osmond, Moss, B.Smith, Kitcher, Butler, Laptas, Howe (P.Gulliver), Owen (R Smith), Prentice
Subs n/u - Mackie, Bell
Attendance - 178
DOWNTON 1 - 1 BEMERTON HEATH [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (29/1/22)
Downton 1 (Howe 36)
Bemerton Heath 1 (Sweeney 14)
The Robins welcomed back Robbie Owen to the club with a hard earned point against the league leaders. This was no mean feat, as Bemerton Heath Harlequins have kept a steady lead at the top of the table and cracked in eight with no reply against Millbrook last Saturday. It looked like it could be another long afternoon when Callum Sweeney volleyed the Heath ahead. It was a fair cop guv'nor and a goal that would have flummoxed Reagan and Carter, let alone Matty Fredericks as the rocket flew into the Robins onion bag.
Downton had showed early promise with Shaun Prentice creating, whilst searching for another goal, to dial the up the tune that is 'Prento' Time'. The league leaders kept the Robins contained, until Sweeney cracked the case with the opener, and looked to get another three points to their Wessex League bounty. Made of stern stuff and becoming a Nest legend, it was down to Sam 'The Skud' Howe, or SKH 9 as I call him, to level up empathically firing past Patrick Creese to equalise in the 36th minute, and get the Robins Nest rocking after being played in by James Clark.
Howe has graced every position available in a Downton shirt, even taking over in goal in a pre season friendly at Blandford United in 2020. SKH 9 is what being a Robin is all about. Determined and full of endeavor. It's a Robins duty. I have been known to go off on a tangent a few thousand times, yet no apologies for such irrelevance. Anyway, Bemerton Heath Harlequins....top side, jackets and jumpers for goalposts, rush goalie. Well no, highly efficient and primed for the Premier Division.
Downton, down to ten men with fifteen minutes to go. There's work to do for a wee bit longer. Unfortunately so, as James Clark picked up a second yellow and was sent off. Therefore this looks like a point gained for us, and Bemerton Heath Harlequins will add it to their promotion tally, dust it off and continue with their quest for glory. The Robins have plucked some useful points out of the bag since that awful defeat at Newport IOW. This was a well earnt point with Craig Tyson, Ben Starr and Theo Wolfarth all returning to the team. The kind of game Tyson would revel in a competitive fashion.
A bit of grit and a local tussle with the top dogs. The Robins chugging along steadily in 8th place behind the almighty wrangle of the top teams. To keep Justin Bennett at bay deserves plaudits! With a point a piece pocketed for both campaigns it's off to Andover Town on Tuesday for a very difficult fixture. Any pressure? Not really, as the Robins will go about their business, and it's really up to the home side to take centre stage. A Robins work is never done they say. There's always more to do. Yet so much achieved since the season began.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolfarth, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Starr, Laptas, Howe (Owen), Butler, Prentice
Subs n/u - Clarke, Bell, R.Smith, B.Smith
Bemerton Heath Harlequins- Creese, Rayfield, Perrett, Burden, G.Bennett, Clark, Plummer, Sweeney, Clancy, J.Bennett, Burgess,
Subs - O'Keefe, Roach, Triswell
Officials - K.Petrov, R.Burton, K.Robinson
Attendance - 260
Downton 1 (Howe 36)
Bemerton Heath 1 (Sweeney 14)
The Robins welcomed back Robbie Owen to the club with a hard earned point against the league leaders. This was no mean feat, as Bemerton Heath Harlequins have kept a steady lead at the top of the table and cracked in eight with no reply against Millbrook last Saturday. It looked like it could be another long afternoon when Callum Sweeney volleyed the Heath ahead. It was a fair cop guv'nor and a goal that would have flummoxed Reagan and Carter, let alone Matty Fredericks as the rocket flew into the Robins onion bag.
Downton had showed early promise with Shaun Prentice creating, whilst searching for another goal, to dial the up the tune that is 'Prento' Time'. The league leaders kept the Robins contained, until Sweeney cracked the case with the opener, and looked to get another three points to their Wessex League bounty. Made of stern stuff and becoming a Nest legend, it was down to Sam 'The Skud' Howe, or SKH 9 as I call him, to level up empathically firing past Patrick Creese to equalise in the 36th minute, and get the Robins Nest rocking after being played in by James Clark.
Howe has graced every position available in a Downton shirt, even taking over in goal in a pre season friendly at Blandford United in 2020. SKH 9 is what being a Robin is all about. Determined and full of endeavor. It's a Robins duty. I have been known to go off on a tangent a few thousand times, yet no apologies for such irrelevance. Anyway, Bemerton Heath Harlequins....top side, jackets and jumpers for goalposts, rush goalie. Well no, highly efficient and primed for the Premier Division.
Downton, down to ten men with fifteen minutes to go. There's work to do for a wee bit longer. Unfortunately so, as James Clark picked up a second yellow and was sent off. Therefore this looks like a point gained for us, and Bemerton Heath Harlequins will add it to their promotion tally, dust it off and continue with their quest for glory. The Robins have plucked some useful points out of the bag since that awful defeat at Newport IOW. This was a well earnt point with Craig Tyson, Ben Starr and Theo Wolfarth all returning to the team. The kind of game Tyson would revel in a competitive fashion.
A bit of grit and a local tussle with the top dogs. The Robins chugging along steadily in 8th place behind the almighty wrangle of the top teams. To keep Justin Bennett at bay deserves plaudits! With a point a piece pocketed for both campaigns it's off to Andover Town on Tuesday for a very difficult fixture. Any pressure? Not really, as the Robins will go about their business, and it's really up to the home side to take centre stage. A Robins work is never done they say. There's always more to do. Yet so much achieved since the season began.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolfarth, Moss, Mackie, Tyson, Starr, Laptas, Howe (Owen), Butler, Prentice
Subs n/u - Clarke, Bell, R.Smith, B.Smith
Bemerton Heath Harlequins- Creese, Rayfield, Perrett, Burden, G.Bennett, Clark, Plummer, Sweeney, Clancy, J.Bennett, Burgess,
Subs - O'Keefe, Roach, Triswell
Officials - K.Petrov, R.Burton, K.Robinson
Attendance - 260
WHITCHURCH UTD 0 - 2 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (26/1/22)
Whitchurch United 0
Downton 2 (Butler 10, Bell 89)
It was a time for heroes as Downton arrived at Longmeadow and put the 'Jamboys' in a sticky situation early on, when a cross by Cameron Butler eluded Harrison Mott in the home goal and found it's way into the net. The tenth minute opener was reward against a side that last season poached a 3-2 win at the Nest. With the tiring fixture schedule having seen all teams playing Saturday- midweek- Saturday, the numbers were down. Manager Ben Smith started at centre half, and youngsters Ben Gulliver and Sebastian Osmond joined Sam Bell on the bench.
Josh Cummings started the game, and the on loan Poole Town player rattled the bar. Shaun Prentice also had a couple of efforts, yet it was not 'Prento Time' tonight unfortunately for the striker. The home side brought two good saves out of Matty Fredericks as they dominated in the second half more. Bell secured the points firing across Mott in the 89th minute to wrap things up before the derby with leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday at the Nest. These will be points in the bag tonight for what proves to be a difficult game at the weekend against a side that won 8-0 last Saturday and top the table.
Whitchurch United - Mott, Brannigan, Henderson, Powell, Capper, Morris, George, Yeomans, Parry, Long, Rutledge.
Subs used - K.Williams, S Williams, Clark
n/u - White, Wing
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Osmond), Mackie, Moss, B Smith, Clarke (B.Gulliver), Cummings (Bell), Laptas, Howe, Butler, Prentice
Subs used - Osmond, B Gulliver, Bell
Officials - S.Liddiard, S Villiers, R Stevens
Attendance - 59
Whitchurch United 0
Downton 2 (Butler 10, Bell 89)
It was a time for heroes as Downton arrived at Longmeadow and put the 'Jamboys' in a sticky situation early on, when a cross by Cameron Butler eluded Harrison Mott in the home goal and found it's way into the net. The tenth minute opener was reward against a side that last season poached a 3-2 win at the Nest. With the tiring fixture schedule having seen all teams playing Saturday- midweek- Saturday, the numbers were down. Manager Ben Smith started at centre half, and youngsters Ben Gulliver and Sebastian Osmond joined Sam Bell on the bench.
Josh Cummings started the game, and the on loan Poole Town player rattled the bar. Shaun Prentice also had a couple of efforts, yet it was not 'Prento Time' tonight unfortunately for the striker. The home side brought two good saves out of Matty Fredericks as they dominated in the second half more. Bell secured the points firing across Mott in the 89th minute to wrap things up before the derby with leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday at the Nest. These will be points in the bag tonight for what proves to be a difficult game at the weekend against a side that won 8-0 last Saturday and top the table.
Whitchurch United - Mott, Brannigan, Henderson, Powell, Capper, Morris, George, Yeomans, Parry, Long, Rutledge.
Subs used - K.Williams, S Williams, Clark
n/u - White, Wing
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Osmond), Mackie, Moss, B Smith, Clarke (B.Gulliver), Cummings (Bell), Laptas, Howe, Butler, Prentice
Subs used - Osmond, B Gulliver, Bell
Officials - S.Liddiard, S Villiers, R Stevens
Attendance - 59
DOWNTON 2 - 2 LAVERSTOCK & FORD [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (22/1/22)
Downton 2 (Howe 24, Laptas 31)
Laverstock & Ford 2 (Sykes 14, 47)
Friday night football was the winner as a record breaking crowd of 401 attended the Nest. Robins chairman Dan Newman had a smile as wide as the proverbial Cheshire cat as business boomed, exclaiming midway through the second half "Friday night football at the Nest. I just love it!". Indeed, why wouldn't you? Despite it being a tense local derby against our good friends Laverstock and Ford, this was a celebration of non league football. A lot of visitors to the Nest had made quite long journeys to be here, and this was a great advert for the Wessex League, with a lot of 'Bulldogs' fans in as well. The derby passed off with everyone just simply enjoying the occasion. Archie Lovegrove started off the nights entertainment, when he absolutely smashed the Wick Lane crossbar with an early humdinger as Laverstock dominated early doors. Chae Sykes deservedly put the visitors ahead with a clinical smart finish, and to be honest I thought just enjoy the night. They are a good side, and if we can poach a point then happy days!
Robins, however are plucky creatures and Sam K Howe was on hand to turn home a leveller on 24 minutes to add to his haul for the season. Shortly.after the visitors were awarded a penalty after Sam Moss brought down an interloper in the box. Joe Rawkins stepped up only to see Matty Fredericks paw out his effort. Marcel Laptas really lifted the Nest sweeping Downton into the lead in the 31st minute to stun the visitors, and to go in 2-1 ahead at half time. There was bird song in the air! Both sides would have felt the effects of a gruelling fixture list, add in a days work, these lads deserve a lot of credit for their endeavours! A robin against a bulldog though would probably favour the dog! Here we were in front!
Chae Sykes levelled two minutes into the second half finishing off a good move, sending the visitors fans congregated at the far end into raptures. Few chances came after that at each end as the game drew itself out. Sykes is a quality player that looks to have a good future in the game. Laverstock have had three tough away games recently, including a 3-3 draw at Andover New Street. The Robins equally were off the back of a punishing schedule that took its toll at Beatrice Avenue last Saturday.
Sam Dible received a nasty injury and was replaced by Craig Tyson,who being an ex Selkirk player revelled in the tussle of such a game. Ben Smith also introducing Reuben Smith into the fray, along with Paul Gulliver, who has experienced many a derby! Cameron Butler and Laverstock's Jake Rawkins both had to leave the field with nasty knocks, yet despite both sides having burnt the candle at both ends recently, it was just a good competitive match. Ben Smith may ponder the game over brunch with the chairman! It was a point gained after the ship was sunk on the Island last week. A positive response. We wish Laverstock and Ford the best of luck for the rest of the season. Hope you get promoted and we shall continue the good work down here to continue feathering the Robins Nest!
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible (Tyson), Mackie, Moss, Laptas, Butler (Gulliver), J.Smith, Howe, Clark (R Smith), Prentice
Subs n/u - J.Cummings, B.Smith
Laverstock & Ford - Aguer, Ward (Roberts), Wakeford, Bourner, Barr, Joe Rawkins, Jackson, Lovegrove, Sykes, Jake Rawkins (Matthews), Jones
Subs n/u - Fletcher, Hankin, Budgell.
Officials - H.Small, B.Murdoch, N.Muckachana
Attendance - 401.
Downton 2 (Howe 24, Laptas 31)
Laverstock & Ford 2 (Sykes 14, 47)
Friday night football was the winner as a record breaking crowd of 401 attended the Nest. Robins chairman Dan Newman had a smile as wide as the proverbial Cheshire cat as business boomed, exclaiming midway through the second half "Friday night football at the Nest. I just love it!". Indeed, why wouldn't you? Despite it being a tense local derby against our good friends Laverstock and Ford, this was a celebration of non league football. A lot of visitors to the Nest had made quite long journeys to be here, and this was a great advert for the Wessex League, with a lot of 'Bulldogs' fans in as well. The derby passed off with everyone just simply enjoying the occasion. Archie Lovegrove started off the nights entertainment, when he absolutely smashed the Wick Lane crossbar with an early humdinger as Laverstock dominated early doors. Chae Sykes deservedly put the visitors ahead with a clinical smart finish, and to be honest I thought just enjoy the night. They are a good side, and if we can poach a point then happy days!
Robins, however are plucky creatures and Sam K Howe was on hand to turn home a leveller on 24 minutes to add to his haul for the season. Shortly.after the visitors were awarded a penalty after Sam Moss brought down an interloper in the box. Joe Rawkins stepped up only to see Matty Fredericks paw out his effort. Marcel Laptas really lifted the Nest sweeping Downton into the lead in the 31st minute to stun the visitors, and to go in 2-1 ahead at half time. There was bird song in the air! Both sides would have felt the effects of a gruelling fixture list, add in a days work, these lads deserve a lot of credit for their endeavours! A robin against a bulldog though would probably favour the dog! Here we were in front!
Chae Sykes levelled two minutes into the second half finishing off a good move, sending the visitors fans congregated at the far end into raptures. Few chances came after that at each end as the game drew itself out. Sykes is a quality player that looks to have a good future in the game. Laverstock have had three tough away games recently, including a 3-3 draw at Andover New Street. The Robins equally were off the back of a punishing schedule that took its toll at Beatrice Avenue last Saturday.
Sam Dible received a nasty injury and was replaced by Craig Tyson,who being an ex Selkirk player revelled in the tussle of such a game. Ben Smith also introducing Reuben Smith into the fray, along with Paul Gulliver, who has experienced many a derby! Cameron Butler and Laverstock's Jake Rawkins both had to leave the field with nasty knocks, yet despite both sides having burnt the candle at both ends recently, it was just a good competitive match. Ben Smith may ponder the game over brunch with the chairman! It was a point gained after the ship was sunk on the Island last week. A positive response. We wish Laverstock and Ford the best of luck for the rest of the season. Hope you get promoted and we shall continue the good work down here to continue feathering the Robins Nest!
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible (Tyson), Mackie, Moss, Laptas, Butler (Gulliver), J.Smith, Howe, Clark (R Smith), Prentice
Subs n/u - J.Cummings, B.Smith
Laverstock & Ford - Aguer, Ward (Roberts), Wakeford, Bourner, Barr, Joe Rawkins, Jackson, Lovegrove, Sykes, Jake Rawkins (Matthews), Jones
Subs n/u - Fletcher, Hankin, Budgell.
Officials - H.Small, B.Murdoch, N.Muckachana
Attendance - 401.
NEWPORT IOW 7 - 1 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (15/1/22)
Newport IOW 7 (Kelly 3, Browne 2, Pearce, Craig)
Downton 1 (Howe)
A dreadful afternoon for the Robins as the Newport IOW saga reached an unhappy conclusion. With everyone set up to play at Smallbrook, the game was switched to East Cowes Victoria Athletic FC, with the Ryde Saints venue apparently waterlogged and the lease due to expire. The 2-0 victory at the Nest becoming somewhat an afterthought. Newport IOW started the day in 4th place, and off the field matters seemed to cause little effect as they completely trounced us 7-1. Sam Howe's free kick did reduce arrears at 2-1, yet the 'Port' were on fire and Connor Kelly hit a hat trick. "The lad was unplayable" was probably the best way to describe it by all accounts.
Kelly opened up the scoring, followed by a second by Joe Craig, before Howe responded. Craig being the double agent as his team mates 'bonded' in their adverse situation venue wise. Sam K Howe putting only a brief spoke in the wheels of the Newport juggernaut picked up a pace. Not even a superheroes like Howe and Matty Fredericks could stop this! Kelly got his second to send the teams in at half time with Newport 3-1 in credit and cash in the bank. Jordan Browne put them 4-1 ahead, before Kelly completed the hat trick. You cannot imagine Machine Gun Kelly shooting a Robin, yet he downed Downton and did so with zest and possibly glee.
The moment of the afternoon came for Newport fans when Spike Pearce found himself through to get the 6th, before a second goal from Browne rounded of a truly miserable afternoon for the Wiltshire visitors and a week of one goal scored and twelve conceeded (though five were courtesy of Winchester City). Our last visit to this venue had been such a happy day, with the ferry back in party mode for the Halloween celebrations, and Robins dancing into the night at the party at the social club. This was the complete opposite. I wish Newport IOW the best in a quest for a new home as St Georges Park (an island centrepiece decays). It is time that venue was saved, and that club put back there. Sadly that looks unlikely.
Newport IOW - McCormack, Hughes, Hancott, Burford (McDonough), Pearce, Triggs, Kelly, Younie, Browne, Craig (Wright), Butcher (Harper)
Subs n/u - Lamb, Reynolds
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Mackie (Dible), Moss, Kitcher, Clarke, Butler, J.Smith, Howe, Laptas (R.Smith), Prentice
Sub n/u - B.Smith
Officials - H.Redman, D.McCulloch, E.Grainer
Attendance - 101
Newport IOW 7 (Kelly 3, Browne 2, Pearce, Craig)
Downton 1 (Howe)
A dreadful afternoon for the Robins as the Newport IOW saga reached an unhappy conclusion. With everyone set up to play at Smallbrook, the game was switched to East Cowes Victoria Athletic FC, with the Ryde Saints venue apparently waterlogged and the lease due to expire. The 2-0 victory at the Nest becoming somewhat an afterthought. Newport IOW started the day in 4th place, and off the field matters seemed to cause little effect as they completely trounced us 7-1. Sam Howe's free kick did reduce arrears at 2-1, yet the 'Port' were on fire and Connor Kelly hit a hat trick. "The lad was unplayable" was probably the best way to describe it by all accounts.
Kelly opened up the scoring, followed by a second by Joe Craig, before Howe responded. Craig being the double agent as his team mates 'bonded' in their adverse situation venue wise. Sam K Howe putting only a brief spoke in the wheels of the Newport juggernaut picked up a pace. Not even a superheroes like Howe and Matty Fredericks could stop this! Kelly got his second to send the teams in at half time with Newport 3-1 in credit and cash in the bank. Jordan Browne put them 4-1 ahead, before Kelly completed the hat trick. You cannot imagine Machine Gun Kelly shooting a Robin, yet he downed Downton and did so with zest and possibly glee.
The moment of the afternoon came for Newport fans when Spike Pearce found himself through to get the 6th, before a second goal from Browne rounded of a truly miserable afternoon for the Wiltshire visitors and a week of one goal scored and twelve conceeded (though five were courtesy of Winchester City). Our last visit to this venue had been such a happy day, with the ferry back in party mode for the Halloween celebrations, and Robins dancing into the night at the party at the social club. This was the complete opposite. I wish Newport IOW the best in a quest for a new home as St Georges Park (an island centrepiece decays). It is time that venue was saved, and that club put back there. Sadly that looks unlikely.
Newport IOW - McCormack, Hughes, Hancott, Burford (McDonough), Pearce, Triggs, Kelly, Younie, Browne, Craig (Wright), Butcher (Harper)
Subs n/u - Lamb, Reynolds
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Mackie (Dible), Moss, Kitcher, Clarke, Butler, J.Smith, Howe, Laptas (R.Smith), Prentice
Sub n/u - B.Smith
Officials - H.Redman, D.McCulloch, E.Grainer
Attendance - 101
WINCHESTER CITY 5 - 0 DOWNTON [SOUTHAMPTON SNR CUP R1 2021/22]
Winchester City 5 (Callaghan 2, Barron15, Feeney 22, Bailey 30, Bentley 75 pen)
Downton 0
(h/t 4-0)
If anyone thought Winchester City were going to let up on the Robins tonight they would be wrong. The Citizens fielded ten players that had been involved in last Fridays 3-1 win over AFC Totton, and they travel to Barnstaple Town in the Southern League South and West Division on Saturday. 'Barum' are struggling and City are 4th, so this was ideal. City ripped into Downton early doors. Liam Callaghan was on hand to ram the first in after two minutes, with Oli Bailey tormenting a Downton side that saw Ben Gulliver, Sam Bell and Seb Osmond get gametime and valuable experience against a quality outfit that are on a different level.
Reuben Smith came back in from Dorchester Town, with Shaun Prentice, Jamie Smith and Sam Moss all unavailable. Sam Bell and Lloyd Joliffe starting on the bench. Manager Ben Smith went in at centre half with Callum Kitcher facing Winchester City launching a first half tornado. Jamie Barron dropped the shoulder and lashed home to put the 'Citizens' 2-0 ahead. It was then Craig Feeney who got clear and made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute, before Bailey himself put in the fourth on the half hour mark in off the post. It looked a case of how many at that point.
Winchester City had to wait until the 75th minute to add a fifth from the penalty spot as substitute Warren Bentley drove the ball past Matty Fredericks into the roof of the net. Connell Bark then moved up and incredibly hit the underside of the bar from two yards after substitute Olly Balmers initial shot rebounded back to him. Callaghan had previously forced a wonderful save from Fredericks before being replaced by Balmer. Downton kept playing with Sam Howe having an effort at Charlie Philpott in the City goal. This was a good game all round, and along with AFC Totton (who beat Durley 13-0), and Sholing FC (who City get in the 2nd Round), this was the hardest tie we could have had. It was certainly a good experience for the players as they travel to face Newport IOW on Saturday in the Wessex League.
Winchester City - Philpott, Back, King, Griggs, Walster, Douglas, Feeney (Bentley), Barron (Vaughan), Bailey, Smith, Callaghan (Balmer)
Subs n/u - Mlambo, McCormick
Booked - Griggs.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Osmond), B. Gulliver, Kitcher, B.Smith, Waters (Clarke), Butler, Tyson, Howe, Laptas, R.Smith (Bell)
Subs n/u - Joliffe, Dible
Officials - D.Pratt, C Miles, S.Saunders
Attendance - 95
Downton 0
(h/t 4-0)
If anyone thought Winchester City were going to let up on the Robins tonight they would be wrong. The Citizens fielded ten players that had been involved in last Fridays 3-1 win over AFC Totton, and they travel to Barnstaple Town in the Southern League South and West Division on Saturday. 'Barum' are struggling and City are 4th, so this was ideal. City ripped into Downton early doors. Liam Callaghan was on hand to ram the first in after two minutes, with Oli Bailey tormenting a Downton side that saw Ben Gulliver, Sam Bell and Seb Osmond get gametime and valuable experience against a quality outfit that are on a different level.
Reuben Smith came back in from Dorchester Town, with Shaun Prentice, Jamie Smith and Sam Moss all unavailable. Sam Bell and Lloyd Joliffe starting on the bench. Manager Ben Smith went in at centre half with Callum Kitcher facing Winchester City launching a first half tornado. Jamie Barron dropped the shoulder and lashed home to put the 'Citizens' 2-0 ahead. It was then Craig Feeney who got clear and made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute, before Bailey himself put in the fourth on the half hour mark in off the post. It looked a case of how many at that point.
Winchester City had to wait until the 75th minute to add a fifth from the penalty spot as substitute Warren Bentley drove the ball past Matty Fredericks into the roof of the net. Connell Bark then moved up and incredibly hit the underside of the bar from two yards after substitute Olly Balmers initial shot rebounded back to him. Callaghan had previously forced a wonderful save from Fredericks before being replaced by Balmer. Downton kept playing with Sam Howe having an effort at Charlie Philpott in the City goal. This was a good game all round, and along with AFC Totton (who beat Durley 13-0), and Sholing FC (who City get in the 2nd Round), this was the hardest tie we could have had. It was certainly a good experience for the players as they travel to face Newport IOW on Saturday in the Wessex League.
Winchester City - Philpott, Back, King, Griggs, Walster, Douglas, Feeney (Bentley), Barron (Vaughan), Bailey, Smith, Callaghan (Balmer)
Subs n/u - Mlambo, McCormick
Booked - Griggs.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Osmond), B. Gulliver, Kitcher, B.Smith, Waters (Clarke), Butler, Tyson, Howe, Laptas, R.Smith (Bell)
Subs n/u - Joliffe, Dible
Officials - D.Pratt, C Miles, S.Saunders
Attendance - 95
FOLLAND SPORTS 1 - 1 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Folland Sports 1 (Newton 65)
Downton 1 (Howe 10)
The Robins earnt a good point on a cold January night at the MJB Tilling Sports Ground to move us onto the 40 point mark and consolidate 7th place. The 'Planemakers' would have been bookies favourites, sat in 3rd place behind leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins and Andover Town. Downton had Sam Moss back in defence and Jamie Smith engineering play in midfield joining Ben Starr in the starting eleven. Without the injured Shaun Prentice, it was left to Sam Howe and Marcel Laptas to lead the charge, with Starr moving into the wide berth opposite Cameron Butler. Folland Sports certainly have some talented players including two international players in Jake Newton (Guyana) and Brandon Chebby (Burundi).
Folland were on an unbeaten run after five wins in a row and a draw. It was the Robins though who purposely set about their task, with the gusto of a Robin that has seen the bird feeder is full, and knows that it is time to get on with the business in hand with immediate effect! Please then be upstanding for Mr Sam K Howe, as he travelled through the 'Planemakers' defence to reach the 18 yard line and plant the ball squarely past the diving Henry Newman in the 10th minute for his 20th league goal of the season to send our hardy support into raptures. Folland broke in the 41st minute with Will Gange looking odds on to score, the advancing Matty Fredericks got his paw onto it, turning it away for a corner, which the Robins scrambled away. The aforementioned Gange then found himself in the sin bin soon after, leaving the home side down to ten men for the remainder of the first half and start of the second. Downton kept Folland at bay until the 65th minute when Fabio Manuel's free kick was flicked past Fredericks into the net to level the match. Manuel provided another pinpoint cross which Gange thumped a header onto the bar that could be heard in Southampton, with Fredericks static as it rebounded out!
Manager Ben Smith introduced Jamie Waters and Craig Tyson into the fray to curb Folland Sports approach play. A tussle broke out by the dugouts which saw Waters and Brad Johnson both booked in the ensuing melee. This was a well earnt point as the Robins extinguished the Follands threat and held out to preserve a point without withstanding too much pressure or gambling what was already in the bag.
Folland Sports - Newman, Bartlett, Manuel, Newton, Rowe, J.Johnson, Gatera (Moore), B.Johnson, Gange, Worshow (Banhire), Chebby (Anders)
Subs n/u - Brown, Webb
Booked - Gange (S/B), Moore, B.Johnson
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Moss, Mackie, J.Smith (Waters), Butler, Clarke (Tyson), Howe (Cummings), Laptas, Starr
Subs n/u - B.Smith, S.Prentice
Booked - Moss, Waters
Officials - N.Mason, A.Gower, T.Farr
Attendance - 82
Downton 1 (Howe 10)
The Robins earnt a good point on a cold January night at the MJB Tilling Sports Ground to move us onto the 40 point mark and consolidate 7th place. The 'Planemakers' would have been bookies favourites, sat in 3rd place behind leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins and Andover Town. Downton had Sam Moss back in defence and Jamie Smith engineering play in midfield joining Ben Starr in the starting eleven. Without the injured Shaun Prentice, it was left to Sam Howe and Marcel Laptas to lead the charge, with Starr moving into the wide berth opposite Cameron Butler. Folland Sports certainly have some talented players including two international players in Jake Newton (Guyana) and Brandon Chebby (Burundi).
Folland were on an unbeaten run after five wins in a row and a draw. It was the Robins though who purposely set about their task, with the gusto of a Robin that has seen the bird feeder is full, and knows that it is time to get on with the business in hand with immediate effect! Please then be upstanding for Mr Sam K Howe, as he travelled through the 'Planemakers' defence to reach the 18 yard line and plant the ball squarely past the diving Henry Newman in the 10th minute for his 20th league goal of the season to send our hardy support into raptures. Folland broke in the 41st minute with Will Gange looking odds on to score, the advancing Matty Fredericks got his paw onto it, turning it away for a corner, which the Robins scrambled away. The aforementioned Gange then found himself in the sin bin soon after, leaving the home side down to ten men for the remainder of the first half and start of the second. Downton kept Folland at bay until the 65th minute when Fabio Manuel's free kick was flicked past Fredericks into the net to level the match. Manuel provided another pinpoint cross which Gange thumped a header onto the bar that could be heard in Southampton, with Fredericks static as it rebounded out!
Manager Ben Smith introduced Jamie Waters and Craig Tyson into the fray to curb Folland Sports approach play. A tussle broke out by the dugouts which saw Waters and Brad Johnson both booked in the ensuing melee. This was a well earnt point as the Robins extinguished the Follands threat and held out to preserve a point without withstanding too much pressure or gambling what was already in the bag.
Folland Sports - Newman, Bartlett, Manuel, Newton, Rowe, J.Johnson, Gatera (Moore), B.Johnson, Gange, Worshow (Banhire), Chebby (Anders)
Subs n/u - Brown, Webb
Booked - Gange (S/B), Moore, B.Johnson
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Moss, Mackie, J.Smith (Waters), Butler, Clarke (Tyson), Howe (Cummings), Laptas, Starr
Subs n/u - B.Smith, S.Prentice
Booked - Moss, Waters
Officials - N.Mason, A.Gower, T.Farr
Attendance - 82
DOWNTON 3 - 3 RINGWOOD TOWN [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 3
(Howe 3, 52, Laptas 41)
Ringwood Town 3
(Smith 6, Hamm 24, Horton 29)
(h/t 2-3)
Robins chairman Dan Newman commented that he loves a Christmas derby, as an absolutely enthralling contest played out at the Nest against a Ringwood Town side Downton had defeated twice away in the FA Vase and Wessex League, as the Robins fought back from 3-1 down to grab a point.
In front of the largest league gate of 265 on a dreadful day weather wise, the two teams just went at it. No two banks of four or parking of the bus, although Ringwood keeper Joel Hirdle was booked for taking his time on a couple of goalkicks! This was just pure and simple entertainment. It may be strange to say so, yet I felt joyful to have drawn 3-3, just because I think a loser each way would have been harsh. Of course we all want the Robins to win, yet the club that Dan and Rae Hughes foster is full of realistic perspective and the welfare of the club important. Ringwood's boss Richard Morse may well have taken on the underdogs mantle, so often held by us when facing big guns like Newport IOW, Bemerton Heath Harlequins and Laverstock and Ford. Morse believes in good play, which sometimes hasn't yielded the results as yet. Downton also like to play fluent football, and sometimes that can catch us out too against certain sides.
Certainly by the time Sam Howe turned in his 18 th goal of the campaign, after Marcel Laptas had ran at the visitors defence in the 3rd minute, it looked like party time at the Nest. What Ringwood Town replied with was a twenty minute spell of liquid football. Three minutes later Ryan Hamm broke and found Harry Smith who clipped the ball past Matty Fredericks into the net. It was a good goal, and Hamm himself put Ringwood ahead in the 24th minute, as an unfortunate sideways clearance fell into his path for him to place the ball past Fredericks. Five minutes later it was 3-1 to the visitors as Callum Horton smartly fired home past the diving former Locks Heath gloveman. It was well deserved at that point. Shell Shocked, it was indeed Fredericks that punched clear an array of corners as the 15th place side laid siege. Harrison Fay hit a scorcher that the Robins keeper decisively flipped over the bar. Not one for the cameras that save, yet the greasy ball was rocketed in. Had Matty got creative with that it would have been in.
The game turned when Ryan Hamm opted to be cheeky to referee Mr Bomela. The military man was not amused, and sent Hamm to the sin bin. Marcel Laptas also decided to ask the referee to pin the tail on the donkey, or pass the parcel, and he got a card for his troubles as silly season emerged! Dame fortune had intervened. Laptas found himself in space to turn in an effort that caught Ringwood out after 41 minutes, 2-3, game on. We were back in it and the Nest a bit more festive. Would Sam Howe or Shaun Prentice provide a belated extra Christmas gift in the second half? Ben Smith brought Jamie Smith on for Jamie Waters after the break to freshen things up. This was a good point to introduce a player who has been a revelation for Downton. Waters, however has been a real glue for the team and does a lot of work that often keeps the team grounded along with Craig Tyson (who was unavailable).
The Robins were back in it and when Sam Howe crashed in a 52nd minute leveller to send the Nest wild. Possibly, I may suggest this one was 'top bins' as Hirdle clutched the air as it passed him into the net. The man named 'Snakey' could actually release a DVD of his goals this season if every game was filmed! The game ebbed and flowed and the Robins pressed. Howe's bullet header went straight into the arms of Hirdle. Ringwood then piled forward, and Fredericks made three point blank stops as injury time approached. Shaun Prentice had an effort wide, unfortunately close but no cigar today.
Ben Smith did just what everyone was thinking late on, and threw on Paul Gulliver. A commanding centre half and Robins legend, Gully would head a brick for Downton if it was required. Was this going to be it as he hurled himself into the box? Was this the howitzer moment. Well of sorts it was. Unfortunately he connected with Harrison Clarke. Clarke was treated for the collision, and Gully and the crowd waited for the yellow card to be brandished for being a little late. Mr Bomela thought otherwise, and after conversation with the assistant, Paul was first to the towels. Mr Chairman was not amused, though Gully walked off without any fuss. Clarke, to his credit appealed to Mr Bomela not to dismiss him, saying he was ok. It was all in the battle, and what a battle it had been. Quite simply a cracking game. I think we'd all agree. Another point. We go again on the road. The Robins seem to do well when we migrate as the Nest has been well used this season so far!
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Starr, Kitcher, Mackie, Waters (J.Smith), Butler (P.Gulliver), Clarke, Howe, Laptas, Prentice.
Subs n/u - B.Smith, B Gulliver, Osmond.
Booked - Prentice, Laptas,
Sent off - P Gulliver.
Ringwood Town - Hirdle, Mason (B.Smith), Knight, Clarke, Barton, Horton, Fay (Taylor), Holford, Hamm, Harris, H Smith (Petty)
Sub n/u - Cole
Booked - Clarke, Hirdle
Sin bin - Hamm.
Officials - L.Bomela, T.Wells, J Gardner
Attendance - 265
(Howe 3, 52, Laptas 41)
Ringwood Town 3
(Smith 6, Hamm 24, Horton 29)
(h/t 2-3)
Robins chairman Dan Newman commented that he loves a Christmas derby, as an absolutely enthralling contest played out at the Nest against a Ringwood Town side Downton had defeated twice away in the FA Vase and Wessex League, as the Robins fought back from 3-1 down to grab a point.
In front of the largest league gate of 265 on a dreadful day weather wise, the two teams just went at it. No two banks of four or parking of the bus, although Ringwood keeper Joel Hirdle was booked for taking his time on a couple of goalkicks! This was just pure and simple entertainment. It may be strange to say so, yet I felt joyful to have drawn 3-3, just because I think a loser each way would have been harsh. Of course we all want the Robins to win, yet the club that Dan and Rae Hughes foster is full of realistic perspective and the welfare of the club important. Ringwood's boss Richard Morse may well have taken on the underdogs mantle, so often held by us when facing big guns like Newport IOW, Bemerton Heath Harlequins and Laverstock and Ford. Morse believes in good play, which sometimes hasn't yielded the results as yet. Downton also like to play fluent football, and sometimes that can catch us out too against certain sides.
Certainly by the time Sam Howe turned in his 18 th goal of the campaign, after Marcel Laptas had ran at the visitors defence in the 3rd minute, it looked like party time at the Nest. What Ringwood Town replied with was a twenty minute spell of liquid football. Three minutes later Ryan Hamm broke and found Harry Smith who clipped the ball past Matty Fredericks into the net. It was a good goal, and Hamm himself put Ringwood ahead in the 24th minute, as an unfortunate sideways clearance fell into his path for him to place the ball past Fredericks. Five minutes later it was 3-1 to the visitors as Callum Horton smartly fired home past the diving former Locks Heath gloveman. It was well deserved at that point. Shell Shocked, it was indeed Fredericks that punched clear an array of corners as the 15th place side laid siege. Harrison Fay hit a scorcher that the Robins keeper decisively flipped over the bar. Not one for the cameras that save, yet the greasy ball was rocketed in. Had Matty got creative with that it would have been in.
The game turned when Ryan Hamm opted to be cheeky to referee Mr Bomela. The military man was not amused, and sent Hamm to the sin bin. Marcel Laptas also decided to ask the referee to pin the tail on the donkey, or pass the parcel, and he got a card for his troubles as silly season emerged! Dame fortune had intervened. Laptas found himself in space to turn in an effort that caught Ringwood out after 41 minutes, 2-3, game on. We were back in it and the Nest a bit more festive. Would Sam Howe or Shaun Prentice provide a belated extra Christmas gift in the second half? Ben Smith brought Jamie Smith on for Jamie Waters after the break to freshen things up. This was a good point to introduce a player who has been a revelation for Downton. Waters, however has been a real glue for the team and does a lot of work that often keeps the team grounded along with Craig Tyson (who was unavailable).
The Robins were back in it and when Sam Howe crashed in a 52nd minute leveller to send the Nest wild. Possibly, I may suggest this one was 'top bins' as Hirdle clutched the air as it passed him into the net. The man named 'Snakey' could actually release a DVD of his goals this season if every game was filmed! The game ebbed and flowed and the Robins pressed. Howe's bullet header went straight into the arms of Hirdle. Ringwood then piled forward, and Fredericks made three point blank stops as injury time approached. Shaun Prentice had an effort wide, unfortunately close but no cigar today.
Ben Smith did just what everyone was thinking late on, and threw on Paul Gulliver. A commanding centre half and Robins legend, Gully would head a brick for Downton if it was required. Was this going to be it as he hurled himself into the box? Was this the howitzer moment. Well of sorts it was. Unfortunately he connected with Harrison Clarke. Clarke was treated for the collision, and Gully and the crowd waited for the yellow card to be brandished for being a little late. Mr Bomela thought otherwise, and after conversation with the assistant, Paul was first to the towels. Mr Chairman was not amused, though Gully walked off without any fuss. Clarke, to his credit appealed to Mr Bomela not to dismiss him, saying he was ok. It was all in the battle, and what a battle it had been. Quite simply a cracking game. I think we'd all agree. Another point. We go again on the road. The Robins seem to do well when we migrate as the Nest has been well used this season so far!
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Starr, Kitcher, Mackie, Waters (J.Smith), Butler (P.Gulliver), Clarke, Howe, Laptas, Prentice.
Subs n/u - B.Smith, B Gulliver, Osmond.
Booked - Prentice, Laptas,
Sent off - P Gulliver.
Ringwood Town - Hirdle, Mason (B.Smith), Knight, Clarke, Barton, Horton, Fay (Taylor), Holford, Hamm, Harris, H Smith (Petty)
Sub n/u - Cole
Booked - Clarke, Hirdle
Sin bin - Hamm.
Officials - L.Bomela, T.Wells, J Gardner
Attendance - 265
VERWOOD TOWN 0 - 2 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1 (18/12/21)
Verwood Town 0
Downton 2 (Howe 28, Prentice 85)
Downton climbed to 7th spot as they put the memories of last seasons defeat at Potterne Park behind them with a quickfire double over Verwood Town. Sam Howe has an incredible 16 goals now, with Shaun Prentice on 11 in what is becoming a fruitful partnership up front. Certainly you would not have predicted six points, five scored and two clean sheets in two games against Verwood Town, yet this shows the endeavour and clever management of Ben Smith is paying dividends, with only four losses in twenty league games the Robins secured their eleventh win of the season. When TJ Moseley was injured against Andover New Street in early October, the well could have dried up. Enter Sam K Howe,and the 28th minute saw him send another one past Peter O'Connor in the home goal to open the scoring. His form in front of goal has had a major impact.
Downton had been dominant in the first half, though Adie Arnold's Verwood came out of traps second half, yet could not add the gloss up front needed and hit the target. This proved costly against a Robins defence ravaged by Fareham Town in the week, yet so brave in their performance. Shaun Prentice climbed off the bench to replace Cameron Butler, and with five minutes left it was to be that time of day again as Ben Starr crossed, Howe dummied and 'Prento' stuck the ball under O'Connor. These are salad days at the Nest indeed. Long may it continue.
Verwood Town - O'Connor, Watkins, Danvers, Webber, B.Kelly, Browning, Fisher, Hall, Gray, J Kelly, Davies
Subs used - Anderton, Cooper, Lister
n/u - Warren.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible (Cummings), Kitcher, Mackie, Waters, Butler (Prentice), Clarke (Tyson), Howe, Laptas, Starr
Subs n/u - Moss, B.Smith
Officials - M.Bradley, R.Thomas, H.Waldron
Attendance - 53
Verwood Town 0
Downton 2 (Howe 28, Prentice 85)
Downton climbed to 7th spot as they put the memories of last seasons defeat at Potterne Park behind them with a quickfire double over Verwood Town. Sam Howe has an incredible 16 goals now, with Shaun Prentice on 11 in what is becoming a fruitful partnership up front. Certainly you would not have predicted six points, five scored and two clean sheets in two games against Verwood Town, yet this shows the endeavour and clever management of Ben Smith is paying dividends, with only four losses in twenty league games the Robins secured their eleventh win of the season. When TJ Moseley was injured against Andover New Street in early October, the well could have dried up. Enter Sam K Howe,and the 28th minute saw him send another one past Peter O'Connor in the home goal to open the scoring. His form in front of goal has had a major impact.
Downton had been dominant in the first half, though Adie Arnold's Verwood came out of traps second half, yet could not add the gloss up front needed and hit the target. This proved costly against a Robins defence ravaged by Fareham Town in the week, yet so brave in their performance. Shaun Prentice climbed off the bench to replace Cameron Butler, and with five minutes left it was to be that time of day again as Ben Starr crossed, Howe dummied and 'Prento' stuck the ball under O'Connor. These are salad days at the Nest indeed. Long may it continue.
Verwood Town - O'Connor, Watkins, Danvers, Webber, B.Kelly, Browning, Fisher, Hall, Gray, J Kelly, Davies
Subs used - Anderton, Cooper, Lister
n/u - Warren.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible (Cummings), Kitcher, Mackie, Waters, Butler (Prentice), Clarke (Tyson), Howe, Laptas, Starr
Subs n/u - Moss, B.Smith
Officials - M.Bradley, R.Thomas, H.Waldron
Attendance - 53
FAREHAM TOWN 6 - 4 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE CUP 2021/22]
Wessex League Cup Quarter Final (14/12/21)
Fareham Town 6
(Holmes 8, 90+3, Morgan 32, 67, Rowthorne (Pen) 58, Jones (Pen) 89)
Downton 4
(Dible 3, Howe 18, Laptas 62,83)
Kiss once had a hit with Crazy Crazy Nights. This was one of those at Cams Alders after Fareham Town won a ten goal thriller to secure a semi final local derby with rivals AFC Portchester, with a late penalty before Elliot Holmes wrapped the game up. Downton took the lead twice against one of the Wessex League's best supported teams. The Robins took an early lead through Sam Dible in the third minute before Holmes levelled five minutes later for the 'Creeksiders'. Sam Howe then putting the Robins 2-1 ahead in the 18th minute, before Stuart Morgan squared things up in the 32nd minute at 2-2. Fareham took the lead from the spot in the 58th minute from Ben Rowthorne. Marcel Laptas responding four minutes later to make it 3-3. Once again the home side went ahead through Morgan in the 67th minute. Laptas grabbed his brace seven minutes from time to level the tie at 4-4. Two late goals with an Elliott Jones penalty and Holmes second in injury time saw Fareham Town through. Downton can be proud of their efforts tonight and focus on the league and the Wiltshire Senior Cup.
Fareham Town - McCarthy, Jones, Bartlett-Scott, Settle (Sterne), Willcox, Kidson, Holmes, Rowthorne (Robbins), Morgan, Austin (Benfield), Breed.
Subs n/u- Tattersall, Cooper
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible (Cummings), Kitcher, Mackie, Waters (P.Gulliver), Butler (Tyson), Clarke, Howe, Laptas, Prentice
Subs n/u - B.Smith, Moss
Officials - K.Morgan, R.Burt, D.Coles.
Attendance - 155.
Fareham Town 6
(Holmes 8, 90+3, Morgan 32, 67, Rowthorne (Pen) 58, Jones (Pen) 89)
Downton 4
(Dible 3, Howe 18, Laptas 62,83)
Kiss once had a hit with Crazy Crazy Nights. This was one of those at Cams Alders after Fareham Town won a ten goal thriller to secure a semi final local derby with rivals AFC Portchester, with a late penalty before Elliot Holmes wrapped the game up. Downton took the lead twice against one of the Wessex League's best supported teams. The Robins took an early lead through Sam Dible in the third minute before Holmes levelled five minutes later for the 'Creeksiders'. Sam Howe then putting the Robins 2-1 ahead in the 18th minute, before Stuart Morgan squared things up in the 32nd minute at 2-2. Fareham took the lead from the spot in the 58th minute from Ben Rowthorne. Marcel Laptas responding four minutes later to make it 3-3. Once again the home side went ahead through Morgan in the 67th minute. Laptas grabbed his brace seven minutes from time to level the tie at 4-4. Two late goals with an Elliott Jones penalty and Holmes second in injury time saw Fareham Town through. Downton can be proud of their efforts tonight and focus on the league and the Wiltshire Senior Cup.
Fareham Town - McCarthy, Jones, Bartlett-Scott, Settle (Sterne), Willcox, Kidson, Holmes, Rowthorne (Robbins), Morgan, Austin (Benfield), Breed.
Subs n/u- Tattersall, Cooper
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible (Cummings), Kitcher, Mackie, Waters (P.Gulliver), Butler (Tyson), Clarke, Howe, Laptas, Prentice
Subs n/u - B.Smith, Moss
Officials - K.Morgan, R.Burt, D.Coles.
Attendance - 155.
FLEET SPURS 2 - 6 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Fleet Spurs 2
(White 46, Khera 66)
Downton 6
(Cummings 27, Howe 29, 36, Laptas 72, Prentice 76, R.Smith 79)
The Robins hit six on the road against basement side Fleet Spurs at Kennels Lane this afternoon as the Robins rocked up into 8th place in the table with a 6-2 victory on the road. Josh Cummings opened the scoring with 27 minutes gone. Marcel Laptas set the chance up for the Poole Town loanee to convert. With the assistants flag up for offside, referee Foster over ruled the decision and awarded a goal much to Fleet Spurs protests. Sam Howe (who it is well known is on fire), burst through to fire past home keeper Aaron Bufton to put the Robins 2-0 ahead two minutes later. Howe got his 14th of the campaign seven minutes later when Will Mackie flicked the ball into his path to convert. Shaun Prentice could have made it four when clean through, yet Bufton got a hand to his low drive to keep him out with a one handed save that went out for a corner.
With Jamie Waters and Craig Tyson, along with the defence guarding Matty Fredericks goal, the former Locks Heath custodian had very little to do, though Fleet Spurs had started brightly with Shane Gibson and Khoury Taylor lively up front. At this point Fredericks gloves hardly warranted a trip to the washing machine! Fleet Spurs reacted just after the break, skipper Tom White nodded in a cross at the back post to reduce arrears. A captains goal, and it rallied the home side. Their second goal was a bit of a mess in the box, with Sammy Khera believed to be the player that forced it over the line to put Fleet Spurs right back in the match. Cameron Butler came on for Josh Cummings, and Downton became more creative again. Bufton made an incredible four saves in one go as Prentice caused him to block first off, on the floor sprawling, the keeper denied Laptas who got in three more efforts which he blocked, before Enelamah hacked the ball away. Incredible stuff in the Wessex League.
Laptas then got the fourth goal as Howe flicked the ball into his path to drill home into the bottom corner. The clock moved onto 'Prento Time' with 14 minutes left, and there was Prentice to score, once more set up by Howe. Howe made way for Reuben Smith, along with Tyson for Danny Clarke, who put himself into fray unsettling the home side in midfield. The on loan Dorchester Town player Smith poached his second of the season like a magpie ironically, after a miskick from a home defender to wrap up a convincing win. Downton weren't finished as Prentice, then Clarke went close, and Butler hit the side netting as Fleet Spurs withered. Whisper it quietly, this team is starting to look a bit like it's 2011 again!
Fleet Spurs - Bufton, Barton (Farmiloe), Briggs, Khera, Enelaman, Small, Dike (Goddard), Wilson, White, Gibson (Phinn Archer), Taylor
Subs n/u - Morris
Booked - Briggs
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Kitcher, Mackie, Waters, Laptas, Tyson (Clarke), Howe (R.Smith), Prentice, Cummings (Butler)
Subs n/u - Moss, P.Gulliver
Officials - J.Foster, A.Walker, J.Smith
Attendance - 25
(White 46, Khera 66)
Downton 6
(Cummings 27, Howe 29, 36, Laptas 72, Prentice 76, R.Smith 79)
The Robins hit six on the road against basement side Fleet Spurs at Kennels Lane this afternoon as the Robins rocked up into 8th place in the table with a 6-2 victory on the road. Josh Cummings opened the scoring with 27 minutes gone. Marcel Laptas set the chance up for the Poole Town loanee to convert. With the assistants flag up for offside, referee Foster over ruled the decision and awarded a goal much to Fleet Spurs protests. Sam Howe (who it is well known is on fire), burst through to fire past home keeper Aaron Bufton to put the Robins 2-0 ahead two minutes later. Howe got his 14th of the campaign seven minutes later when Will Mackie flicked the ball into his path to convert. Shaun Prentice could have made it four when clean through, yet Bufton got a hand to his low drive to keep him out with a one handed save that went out for a corner.
With Jamie Waters and Craig Tyson, along with the defence guarding Matty Fredericks goal, the former Locks Heath custodian had very little to do, though Fleet Spurs had started brightly with Shane Gibson and Khoury Taylor lively up front. At this point Fredericks gloves hardly warranted a trip to the washing machine! Fleet Spurs reacted just after the break, skipper Tom White nodded in a cross at the back post to reduce arrears. A captains goal, and it rallied the home side. Their second goal was a bit of a mess in the box, with Sammy Khera believed to be the player that forced it over the line to put Fleet Spurs right back in the match. Cameron Butler came on for Josh Cummings, and Downton became more creative again. Bufton made an incredible four saves in one go as Prentice caused him to block first off, on the floor sprawling, the keeper denied Laptas who got in three more efforts which he blocked, before Enelamah hacked the ball away. Incredible stuff in the Wessex League.
Laptas then got the fourth goal as Howe flicked the ball into his path to drill home into the bottom corner. The clock moved onto 'Prento Time' with 14 minutes left, and there was Prentice to score, once more set up by Howe. Howe made way for Reuben Smith, along with Tyson for Danny Clarke, who put himself into fray unsettling the home side in midfield. The on loan Dorchester Town player Smith poached his second of the season like a magpie ironically, after a miskick from a home defender to wrap up a convincing win. Downton weren't finished as Prentice, then Clarke went close, and Butler hit the side netting as Fleet Spurs withered. Whisper it quietly, this team is starting to look a bit like it's 2011 again!
Fleet Spurs - Bufton, Barton (Farmiloe), Briggs, Khera, Enelaman, Small, Dike (Goddard), Wilson, White, Gibson (Phinn Archer), Taylor
Subs n/u - Morris
Booked - Briggs
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Kitcher, Mackie, Waters, Laptas, Tyson (Clarke), Howe (R.Smith), Prentice, Cummings (Butler)
Subs n/u - Moss, P.Gulliver
Officials - J.Foster, A.Walker, J.Smith
Attendance - 25
DOWNTON 1 - 1 NEW MILTON TOWN [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 1 (Howe 10)
New Milton Town 1 (Long 45)
(h/t 1-1)
With a lot of football decimated by the weather it was game on at the Nest. Sam Howe opened the scoring in the 10th minute, before Chris Long levelled on the stroke of half time for the Linnets converting a cross by Elliot Eavis.
Howe is now top scorer with eleven after moving up from left wing back, which is now occupied by Sam Dible, and simply cannot stop scoring as he beat Luke Dennison to open the Robins account after being set up by Cameron Butler. Will Mackie continued at centre half, with Jamie Waters in front forming a solid Downton backline. Mackie had a goal ruled out, and has put in two solid performances since James Ovington left for Hamble Club in the Wessex League Premier Division.
The second half saw both sides have chances yet the game fizzled out to a 1-1 draw. In the greater scheme of things this can be seen as a useful point as New Milton Town have won twice at the Nest on their previous visits. The games are being played Saturday- Tuesday every week in an exhausting season with Omicron now on the move it is aimed to get as much done as possible. The Robins move on to face Fleet Spurs at Kennel Lane, whilst New Milton Town face Toolstation Western League side Keynsham Town in the FA Vase. Ironically the Linnets were held 0-0 by improving Fleet Spurs at the JMC Stadium last Saturday.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Kitcher, Mackie, Waters, Butler (Clarke), J.Smith (Tyson), Howe, Laptas, Prentice (P.Gulliver)
Subs n/u - Cummings, B.Smith
New Milton Town - Dennison, Eavis, Crowther, Kimber, Coltham-Lai (Laundon), Scott, Sampson, Horlock, Long, Deem (Turner), Rudd
Subs n/u - Bull, Stone
Officials - M.Paintin, J.Bungay, B.Chafe.
Attendance - 100
New Milton Town 1 (Long 45)
(h/t 1-1)
With a lot of football decimated by the weather it was game on at the Nest. Sam Howe opened the scoring in the 10th minute, before Chris Long levelled on the stroke of half time for the Linnets converting a cross by Elliot Eavis.
Howe is now top scorer with eleven after moving up from left wing back, which is now occupied by Sam Dible, and simply cannot stop scoring as he beat Luke Dennison to open the Robins account after being set up by Cameron Butler. Will Mackie continued at centre half, with Jamie Waters in front forming a solid Downton backline. Mackie had a goal ruled out, and has put in two solid performances since James Ovington left for Hamble Club in the Wessex League Premier Division.
The second half saw both sides have chances yet the game fizzled out to a 1-1 draw. In the greater scheme of things this can be seen as a useful point as New Milton Town have won twice at the Nest on their previous visits. The games are being played Saturday- Tuesday every week in an exhausting season with Omicron now on the move it is aimed to get as much done as possible. The Robins move on to face Fleet Spurs at Kennel Lane, whilst New Milton Town face Toolstation Western League side Keynsham Town in the FA Vase. Ironically the Linnets were held 0-0 by improving Fleet Spurs at the JMC Stadium last Saturday.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Kitcher, Mackie, Waters, Butler (Clarke), J.Smith (Tyson), Howe, Laptas, Prentice (P.Gulliver)
Subs n/u - Cummings, B.Smith
New Milton Town - Dennison, Eavis, Crowther, Kimber, Coltham-Lai (Laundon), Scott, Sampson, Horlock, Long, Deem (Turner), Rudd
Subs n/u - Bull, Stone
Officials - M.Paintin, J.Bungay, B.Chafe.
Attendance - 100
DOWNTON 3 - 0 VERWOOD TOWN [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Wessex League Division 1
Downton 3 (Prentice 29, Howe 55, Laptas 84)
Verwood Town 0
(h/t 1-0 )
The Robins continued their impressive form with an excellent win against Adie Arnold's Verwood Town. The Potterne Park outfit have been having a great season until they were defeated by Bemerton Heath Harlequins 4-0, and then ran into the Robins who were certainly rocking with another chirpy performance. Matty Fredericks in the home goal earnt his corn with a wonder save that set the platform for a confident performance in a game that many (including me) would have thought would be much tighter. As the clock ticked 15.29, Laptas shot was saved by visitors keeper Peter O'Connor, only to find the fox in the box Shaun Prentice to give Downton a 1-0 lead. Cometh the half hour, and it was 'Prento Time' once again.
Sam Howe continues to be on fire and was on hand to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute, before Laptas sealed the deal six minutes from time as Downton ran up another impressive three points though still only sit in 9th place in the table. Howe is now top scorer with ten goals ahead of Prentice and the injured TJ Moseley on nine each. Ben Starr returned to the side, and Will Mackie put in an impressive performance as a commanding centre half along with Ben Smith (who had to go off with an injury). Jamie Waters replacing the player manager at centre half with James Ovington having left for Hamble Club. Downton go onto face New Milton Town on Tuesday night, a team who certainly enjoy a visit to the Nest, so this will provide a true test for the team. Then it's onto an improving Fleet Spurs on Saturday.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Mackie, B.Smith (Waters), Starr, Butler (R.Smith), Tyson, Howe, Laptas, Prentice (Cummings)
Sub n/u - J.Smith
Verwood Town - O'Connor, Webber, Hancox, B.Kelly, Lister, Guthrie, McCartney Gardiner, J.Kelly, Gray, Vining, Davies
Subs used - Fisher, Osman, Powis.
Subs n/u - Anderton, Warren.
Officials - R.Woods, T.McGhee, M.Vokes.
Attendance -127
Downton 3 (Prentice 29, Howe 55, Laptas 84)
Verwood Town 0
(h/t 1-0 )
The Robins continued their impressive form with an excellent win against Adie Arnold's Verwood Town. The Potterne Park outfit have been having a great season until they were defeated by Bemerton Heath Harlequins 4-0, and then ran into the Robins who were certainly rocking with another chirpy performance. Matty Fredericks in the home goal earnt his corn with a wonder save that set the platform for a confident performance in a game that many (including me) would have thought would be much tighter. As the clock ticked 15.29, Laptas shot was saved by visitors keeper Peter O'Connor, only to find the fox in the box Shaun Prentice to give Downton a 1-0 lead. Cometh the half hour, and it was 'Prento Time' once again.
Sam Howe continues to be on fire and was on hand to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute, before Laptas sealed the deal six minutes from time as Downton ran up another impressive three points though still only sit in 9th place in the table. Howe is now top scorer with ten goals ahead of Prentice and the injured TJ Moseley on nine each. Ben Starr returned to the side, and Will Mackie put in an impressive performance as a commanding centre half along with Ben Smith (who had to go off with an injury). Jamie Waters replacing the player manager at centre half with James Ovington having left for Hamble Club. Downton go onto face New Milton Town on Tuesday night, a team who certainly enjoy a visit to the Nest, so this will provide a true test for the team. Then it's onto an improving Fleet Spurs on Saturday.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Mackie, B.Smith (Waters), Starr, Butler (R.Smith), Tyson, Howe, Laptas, Prentice (Cummings)
Sub n/u - J.Smith
Verwood Town - O'Connor, Webber, Hancox, B.Kelly, Lister, Guthrie, McCartney Gardiner, J.Kelly, Gray, Vining, Davies
Subs used - Fisher, Osman, Powis.
Subs n/u - Anderton, Warren.
Officials - R.Woods, T.McGhee, M.Vokes.
Attendance -127
DOWNTON 3 - 1 ROMSEY TOWN [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 3 (Howe 27,59 Prentice 68)
Romsey Town 1 (Odam 38)
(h/t 1-1)
With it being band night at the Nest on Saturday, Ben Smith's side found their rhythm in the second half to call the tune against a Romsey Town side that sat two points ahead of the Robins before this Wessex League Division 1 encounter. Downton's 3-1 win meant it was a case of musical chairs as the teams swopped places in the table, this due to another double from Sam Howe and a second half strike from Shaun Prentice. This certainly was an apt encore after the midweek demolition of Devizes Town in the Wiltshire Senior Cup.
Manager Smith joined namesake Jamie in the starting line up as the Robins regained some balance, with Theo Wolfarth returning to the defence. The Robins more rounded and ready to chirp, though Romsey Town won 4-2 at Laverstock and Ford on their last visit this way, yet not drawn at all by winning nine and losing seven before today. Howe once more played the lead, and opened up the set list with the first goal on 27 minutes. He is really hitting the right chords with the Nest faithful, and climbing the scoring charts rapidly. Romsey Town were not here to be the support act, and played some neat football winning a penalty. Jack Odam was on hand to slot the ball past Matty Fredericks to level in the 38th minute, from a rebound from the initial kick.
The second half saw the Robins headlining with Marcel Laptas the conductor, and Howe the front man. Howe made it five goals in a week as he was in hand to put Downton 2-1 ahead. The game was won when Prentice got clear and beat the advancing Jordi Valero Miret to seal the deal, adding another strike to his seasons tally. It was time to rock around the clock once more. After the recent set backs the Robins have really come from beyond the storm to regain some form with Howe absolutely on fire, a second half full of melody and rhythm and another three crucial Wessex League points.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolfarth, Ovington, B.Smith, Tyson (Dible), Butler (Mackie), J.Smith, Howe, Laptas, Clarke (Prentice)
Sub n/u - R.Smith
Romsey Town - Valero Miret, Prisk, Wilson (Marchant), Hancock, Bryant, Farren (Barrett), Holloway (Rattley), Saunders, Magee, Odam, Dunn
Sub n/u - Watts
Officials - D.Skehan, C.Hopkins, H.Evans
Attendance - 104
Romsey Town 1 (Odam 38)
(h/t 1-1)
With it being band night at the Nest on Saturday, Ben Smith's side found their rhythm in the second half to call the tune against a Romsey Town side that sat two points ahead of the Robins before this Wessex League Division 1 encounter. Downton's 3-1 win meant it was a case of musical chairs as the teams swopped places in the table, this due to another double from Sam Howe and a second half strike from Shaun Prentice. This certainly was an apt encore after the midweek demolition of Devizes Town in the Wiltshire Senior Cup.
Manager Smith joined namesake Jamie in the starting line up as the Robins regained some balance, with Theo Wolfarth returning to the defence. The Robins more rounded and ready to chirp, though Romsey Town won 4-2 at Laverstock and Ford on their last visit this way, yet not drawn at all by winning nine and losing seven before today. Howe once more played the lead, and opened up the set list with the first goal on 27 minutes. He is really hitting the right chords with the Nest faithful, and climbing the scoring charts rapidly. Romsey Town were not here to be the support act, and played some neat football winning a penalty. Jack Odam was on hand to slot the ball past Matty Fredericks to level in the 38th minute, from a rebound from the initial kick.
The second half saw the Robins headlining with Marcel Laptas the conductor, and Howe the front man. Howe made it five goals in a week as he was in hand to put Downton 2-1 ahead. The game was won when Prentice got clear and beat the advancing Jordi Valero Miret to seal the deal, adding another strike to his seasons tally. It was time to rock around the clock once more. After the recent set backs the Robins have really come from beyond the storm to regain some form with Howe absolutely on fire, a second half full of melody and rhythm and another three crucial Wessex League points.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolfarth, Ovington, B.Smith, Tyson (Dible), Butler (Mackie), J.Smith, Howe, Laptas, Clarke (Prentice)
Sub n/u - R.Smith
Romsey Town - Valero Miret, Prisk, Wilson (Marchant), Hancock, Bryant, Farren (Barrett), Holloway (Rattley), Saunders, Magee, Odam, Dunn
Sub n/u - Watts
Officials - D.Skehan, C.Hopkins, H.Evans
Attendance - 104
DOWNTON 6 - 0 DEVIZES TOWN [WILTS SENIOR CUP QF 2021/22]
Downton 6
(J.Smith 20, 63, Howe 38,64,70, Clarke 45+2)
Devizes Town 0
(h/t 3-0)
Sam Howe blasted a superb hat trick as the Robins routed Toolstation Western League Division 1 Devizes Town to progress to the semi final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Downton last won the Senior Cup in 1980 and 1981, when defeating Park and Tisbury United consecutively in the competition that was established in 1976, of which club legend Ian Drinkwater played a massive part in bringing silverware to the club. Devizes Town's only success was in 1979.
The man known as 'Snakey' to the fans certainly possessed some venom as his first goal deflected into the Devizes net to give the Robins a 2-0 lead after Jamie Smith's 20th minute downward header had opened up the account for the night. Devizes very nearly replied when Callum Kitcher passed back to Matty Fredericks to let in Logan Cassidy, who nearly squeezed the ball home. It was all to no avail as Marcel Laptas rasped one at goal which keeper Adam Walters pushed out for a corner. Danny Clarke weighed in with a third goal in first half injury time, snaffling up a rebound off Walters to put the Robins 3-0 ahead at the interval.
The second half yielded the 'Snakey' show, as the popular defender turned striker once again, really entertaining the crowd by completing his hat trick. Jamie Smith firstly had headed in his second goal of the night in from a James Clark corner in the 62nd minute to all but put the tie to bed at 4-0. The party really got going when Howe hit a long range shot which slipped in under keeper and into the net to make it 5-0 after 64 minutes. It was not a fun moment for Walters and one could feel a bit sorry for him. There was once a song about saving the best till last, and Howe obviously had heard it as he unleashed what I can only describe as a screamer 'top bins' to make it 6-0, 'hissing' into the net and truly icing the cake. The hat trick hero then celebrating with the fans before it was time to exit stage left.
Manager Ben Smith decided minutes in legs were needed at this point by bringing on Reuben Smith, Paul Gulliver and Josh Cummings, with Howe one of the men to retire from the action. Smith, who debuted at New Milton Town on Saturday needed the gametime, though he does possess a turn of pace that could prove very useful in the future. Ben Gulliver once again did well with a second full first team appearance against a fellow Step 6 side, and Craig Tyson using all his experience in breaking up any Devizes Town forays into the Robins half returning to full fitness. Sadly the night ended with an awkward fall and break for a Devizes Town player. Our thoughts are with him and hope he recovers well. I sincerely hope Devizes can stay up as they are an asset to Wiltshire football in the Toolstation Western League with their established history. Next is a semi final and with our last final in 1991 ending in defeat to Wollen Sports at Swindon Town FC, this is a cup we need to bring back to the Nest.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Cummings), B.Gulliver, Ovington, Kitcher, Tyson, Butler, J.Smith, Howe (P.Gulliver), Laptas, Clarke (R.Smith)
Subs n/u - B.Smith, Osmond
Devizes Town - Walters, Rendell, Baskerville, Brannell, Windsor, McDowell, Hatt, Tylee, Cassidy, Sibley, Dodds.
Subs used- Brain, Farrion, Wylie,
n/u Hollow, Cross.
Booked - Baskerville.
Officials- J.Reed, R.Herrett, B.Underwood
Attendance - 117
(J.Smith 20, 63, Howe 38,64,70, Clarke 45+2)
Devizes Town 0
(h/t 3-0)
Sam Howe blasted a superb hat trick as the Robins routed Toolstation Western League Division 1 Devizes Town to progress to the semi final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Downton last won the Senior Cup in 1980 and 1981, when defeating Park and Tisbury United consecutively in the competition that was established in 1976, of which club legend Ian Drinkwater played a massive part in bringing silverware to the club. Devizes Town's only success was in 1979.
The man known as 'Snakey' to the fans certainly possessed some venom as his first goal deflected into the Devizes net to give the Robins a 2-0 lead after Jamie Smith's 20th minute downward header had opened up the account for the night. Devizes very nearly replied when Callum Kitcher passed back to Matty Fredericks to let in Logan Cassidy, who nearly squeezed the ball home. It was all to no avail as Marcel Laptas rasped one at goal which keeper Adam Walters pushed out for a corner. Danny Clarke weighed in with a third goal in first half injury time, snaffling up a rebound off Walters to put the Robins 3-0 ahead at the interval.
The second half yielded the 'Snakey' show, as the popular defender turned striker once again, really entertaining the crowd by completing his hat trick. Jamie Smith firstly had headed in his second goal of the night in from a James Clark corner in the 62nd minute to all but put the tie to bed at 4-0. The party really got going when Howe hit a long range shot which slipped in under keeper and into the net to make it 5-0 after 64 minutes. It was not a fun moment for Walters and one could feel a bit sorry for him. There was once a song about saving the best till last, and Howe obviously had heard it as he unleashed what I can only describe as a screamer 'top bins' to make it 6-0, 'hissing' into the net and truly icing the cake. The hat trick hero then celebrating with the fans before it was time to exit stage left.
Manager Ben Smith decided minutes in legs were needed at this point by bringing on Reuben Smith, Paul Gulliver and Josh Cummings, with Howe one of the men to retire from the action. Smith, who debuted at New Milton Town on Saturday needed the gametime, though he does possess a turn of pace that could prove very useful in the future. Ben Gulliver once again did well with a second full first team appearance against a fellow Step 6 side, and Craig Tyson using all his experience in breaking up any Devizes Town forays into the Robins half returning to full fitness. Sadly the night ended with an awkward fall and break for a Devizes Town player. Our thoughts are with him and hope he recovers well. I sincerely hope Devizes can stay up as they are an asset to Wiltshire football in the Toolstation Western League with their established history. Next is a semi final and with our last final in 1991 ending in defeat to Wollen Sports at Swindon Town FC, this is a cup we need to bring back to the Nest.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Cummings), B.Gulliver, Ovington, Kitcher, Tyson, Butler, J.Smith, Howe (P.Gulliver), Laptas, Clarke (R.Smith)
Subs n/u - B.Smith, Osmond
Devizes Town - Walters, Rendell, Baskerville, Brannell, Windsor, McDowell, Hatt, Tylee, Cassidy, Sibley, Dodds.
Subs used- Brain, Farrion, Wylie,
n/u Hollow, Cross.
Booked - Baskerville.
Officials- J.Reed, R.Herrett, B.Underwood
Attendance - 117
NEW MILTON TOWN 1 - 1 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
New Milton Town 1 (Sampson 45+1)
Downton 1 (Kitcher 87)
(h/t 1-0)
Ben Smith further showed his credentials as a manager as he threw experienced defender Paul Gulliver up top as the Robins trailed New Milton Town 1-0 at the JMC Stadium. Gulliver totally unsettled the home defence and linked up with Cameron Butler for Callum Kitcher to knock the ball in off the post three minutes from time to salvage a point to ignite massive celebrations with the away contingent. The Robins had matched their opponents and were always in the game as they showed a good recovery after two defeats to Andover New Street and Millbrook as November had got off to a disappointing start after some good results. With a potent trio of Charlie Turner, Tyrell Sampson and Chris Long to contend with, Smith would have pinpointed this from the get go. Seb Osmond did very well at right back as he stepped in for the suspended James Clark. The manager brought in Reuben Smith from Dorchester Town. The young forward chased and hustled up front with Shaun Prentice and Marcel Laptas up front.
Tyrell Sampson broke clear in first half injury to to stick the ball past Matty Fredericks, the home Ultras behind the goal celebrated like it was 1999 with the striker! New Milton Town had looked dangerous yet the Robins nullified any dominance and had broke forward. Any goal conceeded on half time is a blow. Prentice had a couple of good chances one of which went straight into the arms of Luke Dennison in the Linnets goal. The Robins showed a lot of fight, especially Jamie Smith and Danny Clarke in midfield quelling the talents of Turner and Long who had punctured the Robins defence 3-2 at the Nest last year.
New Milton Town had the games first real opportunity as the teams played cat and mouse for 25 minutes. Tyrell Sampson was clean through yet skewered the chance wide. Prentice then had a chance for the Robins which Dennison blocked, then blocking the rebound from the seven goal striker. Turner had another great chance for the Linnets, yet Matty Fredericks made a superb one handed save to divert the ball for a corner in the 39th minute. John Erne heading the resulting corner wide. Fredericks really is a class custodian for the Robins. New Milton Town then upped the ante, with Long round Fredericks and the goal gaping, the whole of the JMC Stadium waited for the net to ripple, until former Amesbury Town player Kitcher appeared from nowhere with an outstanding last ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal. A minute later it was party time for the Linnets as Sampson broke the deadlock in first half stoppage time.
Dennison kept out Prentice once again in the second half as he was through on goal. This was a good chance and it looked a good bet that the clock would once more tick on to 'Prento' time, yet there was to be no change from this transaction and we remained in arrears. Craig Tyson and Paul Gulliver replaced Reuben Smith and Danny Clarke, who once more gave everything. The manager himself came on to replace James Ovington, who once again gave his all for the Robins as Downton blocked all New Milton Town threw at them. The hatches were to be battened down once Kitcher had levelled and preventing a third successive defeat before Tuesday's Wiltshire Senior Cup humdinger with Devizes Town essential.
This was a moral victory for us and Ben Smith has created the spine of a good side. Laptas and Sam Howe also giving everything as the team showed resolve. Once the injuries clear up, and obviously TJ Moseley missing is perhaps the difference between stability and a promotion charge at present, yet it's all about building a side without spending silly money. Chairman Dan Newman is certainly a chairman that everyone shares a common goal with and the unity is definitely there, and that is a great thing. The Robins have an identity and once we get a fully fit side we could have a chance to have a peck at the play off places. For now, we keep our place on our perch.
New Milton Town - Dennison, Horlock, Eavis, Booker, Lines, Scott, Rudd, Turner, Long, Sampson, Erne.
Subs used - Lines, Zandane, Darcombe
n/u - Bull, Richardson, Deem.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond, Howe, Ovington (B Smith), Kitcher, Clarke (Tyson), Butler, J.Smith, R.Smith (P Gulliver), Laptas, Prentice.
Subs n/u - Cummings, B Gulliver
Officials - R Liev, J.Smith, G Watson
Attendance -110
Downton 1 (Kitcher 87)
(h/t 1-0)
Ben Smith further showed his credentials as a manager as he threw experienced defender Paul Gulliver up top as the Robins trailed New Milton Town 1-0 at the JMC Stadium. Gulliver totally unsettled the home defence and linked up with Cameron Butler for Callum Kitcher to knock the ball in off the post three minutes from time to salvage a point to ignite massive celebrations with the away contingent. The Robins had matched their opponents and were always in the game as they showed a good recovery after two defeats to Andover New Street and Millbrook as November had got off to a disappointing start after some good results. With a potent trio of Charlie Turner, Tyrell Sampson and Chris Long to contend with, Smith would have pinpointed this from the get go. Seb Osmond did very well at right back as he stepped in for the suspended James Clark. The manager brought in Reuben Smith from Dorchester Town. The young forward chased and hustled up front with Shaun Prentice and Marcel Laptas up front.
Tyrell Sampson broke clear in first half injury to to stick the ball past Matty Fredericks, the home Ultras behind the goal celebrated like it was 1999 with the striker! New Milton Town had looked dangerous yet the Robins nullified any dominance and had broke forward. Any goal conceeded on half time is a blow. Prentice had a couple of good chances one of which went straight into the arms of Luke Dennison in the Linnets goal. The Robins showed a lot of fight, especially Jamie Smith and Danny Clarke in midfield quelling the talents of Turner and Long who had punctured the Robins defence 3-2 at the Nest last year.
New Milton Town had the games first real opportunity as the teams played cat and mouse for 25 minutes. Tyrell Sampson was clean through yet skewered the chance wide. Prentice then had a chance for the Robins which Dennison blocked, then blocking the rebound from the seven goal striker. Turner had another great chance for the Linnets, yet Matty Fredericks made a superb one handed save to divert the ball for a corner in the 39th minute. John Erne heading the resulting corner wide. Fredericks really is a class custodian for the Robins. New Milton Town then upped the ante, with Long round Fredericks and the goal gaping, the whole of the JMC Stadium waited for the net to ripple, until former Amesbury Town player Kitcher appeared from nowhere with an outstanding last ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal. A minute later it was party time for the Linnets as Sampson broke the deadlock in first half stoppage time.
Dennison kept out Prentice once again in the second half as he was through on goal. This was a good chance and it looked a good bet that the clock would once more tick on to 'Prento' time, yet there was to be no change from this transaction and we remained in arrears. Craig Tyson and Paul Gulliver replaced Reuben Smith and Danny Clarke, who once more gave everything. The manager himself came on to replace James Ovington, who once again gave his all for the Robins as Downton blocked all New Milton Town threw at them. The hatches were to be battened down once Kitcher had levelled and preventing a third successive defeat before Tuesday's Wiltshire Senior Cup humdinger with Devizes Town essential.
This was a moral victory for us and Ben Smith has created the spine of a good side. Laptas and Sam Howe also giving everything as the team showed resolve. Once the injuries clear up, and obviously TJ Moseley missing is perhaps the difference between stability and a promotion charge at present, yet it's all about building a side without spending silly money. Chairman Dan Newman is certainly a chairman that everyone shares a common goal with and the unity is definitely there, and that is a great thing. The Robins have an identity and once we get a fully fit side we could have a chance to have a peck at the play off places. For now, we keep our place on our perch.
New Milton Town - Dennison, Horlock, Eavis, Booker, Lines, Scott, Rudd, Turner, Long, Sampson, Erne.
Subs used - Lines, Zandane, Darcombe
n/u - Bull, Richardson, Deem.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond, Howe, Ovington (B Smith), Kitcher, Clarke (Tyson), Butler, J.Smith, R.Smith (P Gulliver), Laptas, Prentice.
Subs n/u - Cummings, B Gulliver
Officials - R Liev, J.Smith, G Watson
Attendance -110
DOWNTON 1 - 2 MILLBROOK [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 1 (Prentice 13)
Millbrook 2 (Cavender 56, Drake 56)
The injury hit Robins were defeated for the second successive game in the Wessex League. Manager Ben Smith stepped in with a composed performance at the back, with the injury list high and following Tuesdays defeat at Andover New Street. Ben Gulliver made his full Wessex League debut, and put in a performance that was a credit to him having progressed through the Robins system, continuing the legacy of family legends before that have donned the red and white. Dad Mark will no doubt be proud.
The last time the visitors appeared at the Nest they went away with a 4-1 pre - season victory as Bush Hill FC in 2018. Saturday was to prove another fruitful visit, as ten man Millbrook moved up the table with a 2-1 win with Callum Drake breaking clear and slotting the ball past Matty Fredericks, to seal the points for a side that had seen Jamie Cavender sent off. Perhaps they should share the Nest instead of Test Park, as they seem to like it here!
Cavender was set up by Noel McCartney Gardener in the 56th minute, his first effort was blocked by Fredericks, who was left squirming on the floor, as Cavender turned the ball back into the net to level the scores. Minutes later Cavender was sent off after a late challenge on Jamie Smith. Referee Jordan White brandishing the red card with immediate effect. With the home fans enraged, Chris Garvey escorted Cavender to the tunnel to keep the peace, as Smith recovered receiving treatment. Millbrook keeper Ed Kitcher had an outstanding game, how he kept out Sam Howe's blistering late header at point blank range defies logic. Downton threw the kitchen sink at Millbrook, 2-1 behind, and having seen Kitcher block a number of goal bound efforts. It was just not to be at The Nest.
The Robins had gone ahead as the clock ticked onto 15.13pm, it was 'Prento Time' once more as Shaun was on hand to score his seventh goal of the campaign. Breaking clear of the Millbrook defence forcing Kitcher to block his first effort, before slotting in the rebound. There were some good performances in the Robins side, even though a serious rejig had to take place. Danny Clarke bombarding down the middle, and Jamie Smith providing a strong backline. Sam Howe, pushed up front, had chances and Prentice and Marcel Laptas worked hard up top as well. Millbrook had some good players too, Drake creating a lot and McCartney Gardiner creative out wide. James Clark rasped a shot which Kitcher pushed out, though minutes later Millbrook should have levelled when Sean Haines broke away in the 44th minute. The whole of the Nest waited for the onion bag to ripple. Fredericks just managing to divert the ball onto the crossbar for Howe to clear.
Just after the break Laptas let one fly. With the ball on the way to ending the ex AFC Stoneham strikers drought, once more Kitcher was there fully stretching to turn it away. Prentice then rattled the underside of the crossbar. Definitely a case of close, yet no further cigar. Millbrook grew after this, adding victory to their draw at Andover New Street last week. The Solent side now truly have earnt their Wessex stripes after an indifferent start and losing Mark Barker, with replacement James Whitlock doing a good job in containing the Robins. The Robins go onto face New Milton Town at Fawcetts Field next week. This will be a very difficult game, yet the current situation may well take any pressure off and expectations. That can be a good thing sometimes.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, B.Gulliver, Kitcher, B.Smith (Tyson), Clarke, Butler (Ewins), J.Smith, Prentice, Laptas, Howe
Sub n/u - Gain
Millbrook - Kitcher, Frampton, Baddams, Haines, King, Parker, McCartney Gardiner, Harding, Barker, Drake, Lavender
Subs used - Whitlock, Aworinde
n/u - Lewis
Officials - J.White, J.Doncom, P.Hicks
Attendance - 101
Millbrook 2 (Cavender 56, Drake 56)
The injury hit Robins were defeated for the second successive game in the Wessex League. Manager Ben Smith stepped in with a composed performance at the back, with the injury list high and following Tuesdays defeat at Andover New Street. Ben Gulliver made his full Wessex League debut, and put in a performance that was a credit to him having progressed through the Robins system, continuing the legacy of family legends before that have donned the red and white. Dad Mark will no doubt be proud.
The last time the visitors appeared at the Nest they went away with a 4-1 pre - season victory as Bush Hill FC in 2018. Saturday was to prove another fruitful visit, as ten man Millbrook moved up the table with a 2-1 win with Callum Drake breaking clear and slotting the ball past Matty Fredericks, to seal the points for a side that had seen Jamie Cavender sent off. Perhaps they should share the Nest instead of Test Park, as they seem to like it here!
Cavender was set up by Noel McCartney Gardener in the 56th minute, his first effort was blocked by Fredericks, who was left squirming on the floor, as Cavender turned the ball back into the net to level the scores. Minutes later Cavender was sent off after a late challenge on Jamie Smith. Referee Jordan White brandishing the red card with immediate effect. With the home fans enraged, Chris Garvey escorted Cavender to the tunnel to keep the peace, as Smith recovered receiving treatment. Millbrook keeper Ed Kitcher had an outstanding game, how he kept out Sam Howe's blistering late header at point blank range defies logic. Downton threw the kitchen sink at Millbrook, 2-1 behind, and having seen Kitcher block a number of goal bound efforts. It was just not to be at The Nest.
The Robins had gone ahead as the clock ticked onto 15.13pm, it was 'Prento Time' once more as Shaun was on hand to score his seventh goal of the campaign. Breaking clear of the Millbrook defence forcing Kitcher to block his first effort, before slotting in the rebound. There were some good performances in the Robins side, even though a serious rejig had to take place. Danny Clarke bombarding down the middle, and Jamie Smith providing a strong backline. Sam Howe, pushed up front, had chances and Prentice and Marcel Laptas worked hard up top as well. Millbrook had some good players too, Drake creating a lot and McCartney Gardiner creative out wide. James Clark rasped a shot which Kitcher pushed out, though minutes later Millbrook should have levelled when Sean Haines broke away in the 44th minute. The whole of the Nest waited for the onion bag to ripple. Fredericks just managing to divert the ball onto the crossbar for Howe to clear.
Just after the break Laptas let one fly. With the ball on the way to ending the ex AFC Stoneham strikers drought, once more Kitcher was there fully stretching to turn it away. Prentice then rattled the underside of the crossbar. Definitely a case of close, yet no further cigar. Millbrook grew after this, adding victory to their draw at Andover New Street last week. The Solent side now truly have earnt their Wessex stripes after an indifferent start and losing Mark Barker, with replacement James Whitlock doing a good job in containing the Robins. The Robins go onto face New Milton Town at Fawcetts Field next week. This will be a very difficult game, yet the current situation may well take any pressure off and expectations. That can be a good thing sometimes.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, B.Gulliver, Kitcher, B.Smith (Tyson), Clarke, Butler (Ewins), J.Smith, Prentice, Laptas, Howe
Sub n/u - Gain
Millbrook - Kitcher, Frampton, Baddams, Haines, King, Parker, McCartney Gardiner, Harding, Barker, Drake, Lavender
Subs used - Whitlock, Aworinde
n/u - Lewis
Officials - J.White, J.Doncom, P.Hicks
Attendance - 101
ANDOVER NEW STREET 2 - 0 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Andover New Street 2 (Davis 80,88)
Downton 0
(h/t 0-0)
The Robins just fell a bit short at the final hurdle as Andover New Street's Mike Davis scored twice in the last ten minutes, to give the Swifts the points last night at Foxcotte Park. Manager Ben Smith had another injury problem when Sam Moss pulled up before the game and Callum Kitcher had to start in his place. Another concern for the manager as the treatment room fills up with games coming thick and fast. The first half was promising with both sides playing some tidy football. It was Downton who had an early chance when Shaun Prentice located Cameron Butler, who's header went straight at keeper Sean O'Brien.
Prentice hit the base of the post five minutes before the interval, though really there was not much of note in a rather quiet first half. It wasn't until New Street's Reece Rusher had a couple of chances they had really broken through. New Street clipped the crossbar, though they hadn't really threatened anything otherwise. Downton did press and Marcel Laptas tried to create chances. Danny Clarke came nearest yet the home defence swept it away from the goaline.
New Street were getting on top of the game, and starting to dominate play more. It was Davis who was on hand to sweep the ball home to give them an 80th minute lead. They doubled this when skipper Sean Lock encroached the Robins backline, finding Davis to grab his brace at the near post to make it 2-0, and give the home side the points.
Andover New Street - O'Brien, Field, Morris, Thatcher (Allen), Alderman, Pearson, Lock, Philips (Jeffrey), Davis, Rusher, Lawton (Scott)
Subs - n/u Weatherall, Rogers
Downton - Fredericks, Mackie, Howe, Kitcher, Ovington, Clarke, Clark, J.Smith, Laptas, Butler (Gain), Prentice
Subs n/u - B.Gulliver, B.Smith
Officials - C.Rooney, T.McGhee, L.Kettlety
Attendance - 105
Downton 0
(h/t 0-0)
The Robins just fell a bit short at the final hurdle as Andover New Street's Mike Davis scored twice in the last ten minutes, to give the Swifts the points last night at Foxcotte Park. Manager Ben Smith had another injury problem when Sam Moss pulled up before the game and Callum Kitcher had to start in his place. Another concern for the manager as the treatment room fills up with games coming thick and fast. The first half was promising with both sides playing some tidy football. It was Downton who had an early chance when Shaun Prentice located Cameron Butler, who's header went straight at keeper Sean O'Brien.
Prentice hit the base of the post five minutes before the interval, though really there was not much of note in a rather quiet first half. It wasn't until New Street's Reece Rusher had a couple of chances they had really broken through. New Street clipped the crossbar, though they hadn't really threatened anything otherwise. Downton did press and Marcel Laptas tried to create chances. Danny Clarke came nearest yet the home defence swept it away from the goaline.
New Street were getting on top of the game, and starting to dominate play more. It was Davis who was on hand to sweep the ball home to give them an 80th minute lead. They doubled this when skipper Sean Lock encroached the Robins backline, finding Davis to grab his brace at the near post to make it 2-0, and give the home side the points.
Andover New Street - O'Brien, Field, Morris, Thatcher (Allen), Alderman, Pearson, Lock, Philips (Jeffrey), Davis, Rusher, Lawton (Scott)
Subs - n/u Weatherall, Rogers
Downton - Fredericks, Mackie, Howe, Kitcher, Ovington, Clarke, Clark, J.Smith, Laptas, Butler (Gain), Prentice
Subs n/u - B.Gulliver, B.Smith
Officials - C.Rooney, T.McGhee, L.Kettlety
Attendance - 105
EAST COWES VICTORIA 1 - 5 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
East Cowes Victoria Athletic 1
(Newbold 61)
Downton 5
(Butler 2, Clarke 29, Prentice 47, Howe 88, 90)
(h/t 0-2)
The Robins responded well to last weeks FA Vase exit at Royal Wootten Bassett Town, with an excellent win at Beatrice Avenue. Erasing the memory of last seasons defeat on the Island, manager Ben Smith would have hoped for a fast start and got just that as the Robins opened their account early doors. Cameron Butler turned in the opening goal in the second minute, being set up by Shaun Prentice. Downton were creating a host of chances. James Clark brought a good save from Vics keeper Alex Ram after, Sean Moss had moved up to link in Clark, who had recycled the play and created the move. East Cowes Victoria found themselves down to ten men for ten minutes, as Brandon Hayward was sent to the sin bin. The Robins made it 2-0, Danny Clarke moving in to convert a cross by James Clark in the six yard box.
Clark had moved into midfield, with Smith's squad decimated with injury, Will Mackie did a good job behind Clark. The injured TJ Moseley may have converted some of the chances played in by Clark, Prentice and Laptas, who raided the home sides back peddling defence. Sam Howe located Marcel Laptas who's header was clawed out by Ram, with the Robins playing some liquid football as Downton created chance after chance. At this point it was all the home side could do to make it to the changing room only 2-0 down to stay in the game.
East Cowes had the full hair dryer treatment at the break, which could be heard by all in the stand. It may well have backfired as soon after half time the clock ticked onto 'Prento Time'. Shaun Prentice scoring his 6th goal of the season, turning in the box to fire home in the 47th minute. With a 3-0 lead a handsome margin, what followed was a period of uncertainty and needed a lot of game management as Vics stated to dominate. Liam Newbold turned in the box, forcing Matt Fredericks to push the ball out back into the path of the Vics skipper to turn the rebound in from exactly the same angle as his goal in September 2020 vs the Robins.
It was a captains goal, and Newbold then had a second ruled out for offside, as the Vics got a grip on the game and a comeback looked on the cards. Jamie Smith, James Ovington and Sean Moss all earnt their corn in keeping Vics striker Jimmi Burton quiet. Ben Smith emphasis on game management showed, as we rode out the potential storm that was brewing as East Cowes ploughed a furrough into the game. Harry Catania then fell foul of referee Mr McRitchie earning the second trip to the sin bin for a home player, and down to ten men once more. Smith brought on Ben Gulliver, Dylan Gain and Nathan Ewins to see out the game. This being the two important components of game management and minutes in legs, blended in with Wessex League experience.
Sam Howe had other ideas though, pushing up and sealing the deal with two goals in the last two minutes of normal time to cement a 5-1 win. James Ovington located the full back, who moved up to drill the ball past Ram. Marcel Laptas then played in Howe to rasp in the fifth into the roof of the net, and really ice the cake for Ben Smith and the team. It was three very important points moving the Robins up to 6th. With Bemerton Heath Harlequins losing, this means the Robins have had the equal least number of defeats in the league, two. Tuesdays trip to Andover New Street will be a very tough cookie, yet today the points are on the board.
East Cowes Victoria Athletic - Ram, Turner (Berry), White, Newbold, West, Hayward (Shilson Marsh), Catania, Snow, Burton, Gregory, Woodford
Sub n/u - Southcott.
Sin bin - Hayward, Catania
Booked - Burton, Hayward, West, Berry
Downton - Fredericks, Mackie, Howe, Ovington, Moss, Clarke (Gain), Clark (B.Gulliver), J.Smith, Laptas, Butler (Ewins), Prentice
Sub n/u - B.Smith
Booked - Moss, Prentice
Officials - J.McRitchie, A.Abbas, F.Hollyoak
Attendance - 65
(Newbold 61)
Downton 5
(Butler 2, Clarke 29, Prentice 47, Howe 88, 90)
(h/t 0-2)
The Robins responded well to last weeks FA Vase exit at Royal Wootten Bassett Town, with an excellent win at Beatrice Avenue. Erasing the memory of last seasons defeat on the Island, manager Ben Smith would have hoped for a fast start and got just that as the Robins opened their account early doors. Cameron Butler turned in the opening goal in the second minute, being set up by Shaun Prentice. Downton were creating a host of chances. James Clark brought a good save from Vics keeper Alex Ram after, Sean Moss had moved up to link in Clark, who had recycled the play and created the move. East Cowes Victoria found themselves down to ten men for ten minutes, as Brandon Hayward was sent to the sin bin. The Robins made it 2-0, Danny Clarke moving in to convert a cross by James Clark in the six yard box.
Clark had moved into midfield, with Smith's squad decimated with injury, Will Mackie did a good job behind Clark. The injured TJ Moseley may have converted some of the chances played in by Clark, Prentice and Laptas, who raided the home sides back peddling defence. Sam Howe located Marcel Laptas who's header was clawed out by Ram, with the Robins playing some liquid football as Downton created chance after chance. At this point it was all the home side could do to make it to the changing room only 2-0 down to stay in the game.
East Cowes had the full hair dryer treatment at the break, which could be heard by all in the stand. It may well have backfired as soon after half time the clock ticked onto 'Prento Time'. Shaun Prentice scoring his 6th goal of the season, turning in the box to fire home in the 47th minute. With a 3-0 lead a handsome margin, what followed was a period of uncertainty and needed a lot of game management as Vics stated to dominate. Liam Newbold turned in the box, forcing Matt Fredericks to push the ball out back into the path of the Vics skipper to turn the rebound in from exactly the same angle as his goal in September 2020 vs the Robins.
It was a captains goal, and Newbold then had a second ruled out for offside, as the Vics got a grip on the game and a comeback looked on the cards. Jamie Smith, James Ovington and Sean Moss all earnt their corn in keeping Vics striker Jimmi Burton quiet. Ben Smith emphasis on game management showed, as we rode out the potential storm that was brewing as East Cowes ploughed a furrough into the game. Harry Catania then fell foul of referee Mr McRitchie earning the second trip to the sin bin for a home player, and down to ten men once more. Smith brought on Ben Gulliver, Dylan Gain and Nathan Ewins to see out the game. This being the two important components of game management and minutes in legs, blended in with Wessex League experience.
Sam Howe had other ideas though, pushing up and sealing the deal with two goals in the last two minutes of normal time to cement a 5-1 win. James Ovington located the full back, who moved up to drill the ball past Ram. Marcel Laptas then played in Howe to rasp in the fifth into the roof of the net, and really ice the cake for Ben Smith and the team. It was three very important points moving the Robins up to 6th. With Bemerton Heath Harlequins losing, this means the Robins have had the equal least number of defeats in the league, two. Tuesdays trip to Andover New Street will be a very tough cookie, yet today the points are on the board.
East Cowes Victoria Athletic - Ram, Turner (Berry), White, Newbold, West, Hayward (Shilson Marsh), Catania, Snow, Burton, Gregory, Woodford
Sub n/u - Southcott.
Sin bin - Hayward, Catania
Booked - Burton, Hayward, West, Berry
Downton - Fredericks, Mackie, Howe, Ovington, Moss, Clarke (Gain), Clark (B.Gulliver), J.Smith, Laptas, Butler (Ewins), Prentice
Sub n/u - B.Smith
Booked - Moss, Prentice
Officials - J.McRitchie, A.Abbas, F.Hollyoak
Attendance - 65
ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT 4 - 0 DOWNTON [FA Vase 2021/22]
Royal Wootton Bassett 4 (Mills 35,58,90, Wrona 69)
Downton 0
(h/t 1-0)
The Robins dreams of a run in the FA Vase came down to earth with a bump at the Gerard Buxton Stadium. Royal Wootten Bassett, from the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League proved to be a bridge too far in this 2nd Round tie. Royal Wootten Bassett Town will face Torpoint Athletic in the next round.
The strength of the Uhlsport Hellenic League was obvious, as Royal Wootten Bassett Town sit in 14th place and proved too strong for the Robins. The Robins struggling to muster a shot at goal. Mills opening the scoring in the 35th minute, threaded in to put the ball past Matty Fredericks. The second half saw Mills add another before the hour, and Giorgio Wrona put the tie out of reach in the 69th minute. Mills, completed his hat trick on full time.
The Robins now look forward to a trip to East Cowes Victoria in the league. This game did give Ben Smith the chance to get some minutes in legs and gametime to a few players on the fringes of the team such as Dylan Gain, Ben Gulliver, Theo Wolfarth and Lewis Connor. Without TJ Moseley we lacked the extra fire power in the final third and were well beaten.
The difference of Step 5 and 6, was just too much on the day. It shows the strength of the Hellenic Premier Division in that in all truth the home side didn't really need to up the gears too much. Steady progress in the league is what we are about and aiming for. For the record Westbury United visited the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground on Tuesday night and won 3-2 there, which shows you the high standard we faced.
Royal Wootten Bassett Town - Cavanagh, Davidson, Chilcott, Wrona (Partridge), Taylor, Griffin (McIntosh), Ouldridge, Morris, Dodson, Bampton (Selman), Mills
Subs n/u - Miller, Alexander
Booked - Griffin
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe, Ovington, J Smith, Tyson (Gain), Butler (Connor), Kitcher, Laptas (B. Gulliver), Wolfarth, Prentice
Sub n/u - B.Smith
Officials - R.Peacey, J.Andrews, J Cabela.
Attendance - 148
Downton 0
(h/t 1-0)
The Robins dreams of a run in the FA Vase came down to earth with a bump at the Gerard Buxton Stadium. Royal Wootten Bassett, from the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League proved to be a bridge too far in this 2nd Round tie. Royal Wootten Bassett Town will face Torpoint Athletic in the next round.
The strength of the Uhlsport Hellenic League was obvious, as Royal Wootten Bassett Town sit in 14th place and proved too strong for the Robins. The Robins struggling to muster a shot at goal. Mills opening the scoring in the 35th minute, threaded in to put the ball past Matty Fredericks. The second half saw Mills add another before the hour, and Giorgio Wrona put the tie out of reach in the 69th minute. Mills, completed his hat trick on full time.
The Robins now look forward to a trip to East Cowes Victoria in the league. This game did give Ben Smith the chance to get some minutes in legs and gametime to a few players on the fringes of the team such as Dylan Gain, Ben Gulliver, Theo Wolfarth and Lewis Connor. Without TJ Moseley we lacked the extra fire power in the final third and were well beaten.
The difference of Step 5 and 6, was just too much on the day. It shows the strength of the Hellenic Premier Division in that in all truth the home side didn't really need to up the gears too much. Steady progress in the league is what we are about and aiming for. For the record Westbury United visited the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground on Tuesday night and won 3-2 there, which shows you the high standard we faced.
Royal Wootten Bassett Town - Cavanagh, Davidson, Chilcott, Wrona (Partridge), Taylor, Griffin (McIntosh), Ouldridge, Morris, Dodson, Bampton (Selman), Mills
Subs n/u - Miller, Alexander
Booked - Griffin
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe, Ovington, J Smith, Tyson (Gain), Butler (Connor), Kitcher, Laptas (B. Gulliver), Wolfarth, Prentice
Sub n/u - B.Smith
Officials - R.Peacey, J.Andrews, J Cabela.
Attendance - 148
INFINITY 4 - 4 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Infinity 4 (White 12,16, Boud (pen), 22, Powell 59)
Downton 4 (Prentice 38 , Connor Lewis 66 , 85 , C Kitcher 89 min)
The first ever league meeting between Infinity and the Robins, saw an incredible comeback from 4-1 down to salvage a point at the Hythe Garage Stadium, temporary home to Infinity. Downton, without their general, manager Ben Smith were all at sea as Jamie White struck twice in the 12th and 16th minutes, with the former Southampton player always amongst the goals after good interlink play to add to his tally. Wayne Boud pitched in from the spot, with a third after 22 minutes. This now looked a lost cause at 3-0 down, with the newly promoted side from the Hampshire League Senior Division in the box seat.
However, the 38th minute was 'Prento Time' as Shaun Prentice made it 3-1 going into the break with his fifth goal in three games, thus giving the scoreline a more respectable look. Just shy of the hour Andrew Powell put the game seemingly out of sight with a fourth goal for Infinity. Surely it was party time for the Wessex League newboys now!
Downton brought on former Fawley AFC player Connor Lewis, and he obviously felt at home being in the area he previously played in. Infinity, ground sharing are from Knowle Village, near Fareham, until a new ground at Whickham is completed and having to make use of their temporary home best they can. The ex - 'Oiler' reduced arrears to 4-2 in the 67th minute to put Downton back in the game. Infinity, with star striker Jamie White now substituted, started to wane. They held out until five minutes from time when Callum Kitcher, another new signing from Amesbury Town made it 4-3. Was Rocky Robin rocking on!? Incredibly Lewis salvaged a point with a minute left. This must have been devastating for Infinity, yet the Wessex League Division 1 is all about picking up as many points early as possible to steer away from the bottom places for many of us. Everything is a bonus, and this was a point gained from the jaws of defeat.
Infinity - Webster, Peppal, McClean, Oxlade, Cripps, Watts, Boud, Alexander-Floyd, Parker (Francis) White (Morgan), Powell
Sub n/u - Kamara
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Mackie), Howe, Ovington, Moss, Tyson, Butler, Kitcher, Laptas, Clarke (Lewis), Prentice
Sub n/u - Gain
Officials - K.Morgan, C.Hopkins, B.Francis
Attendance - 45
Downton 4 (Prentice 38 , Connor Lewis 66 , 85 , C Kitcher 89 min)
The first ever league meeting between Infinity and the Robins, saw an incredible comeback from 4-1 down to salvage a point at the Hythe Garage Stadium, temporary home to Infinity. Downton, without their general, manager Ben Smith were all at sea as Jamie White struck twice in the 12th and 16th minutes, with the former Southampton player always amongst the goals after good interlink play to add to his tally. Wayne Boud pitched in from the spot, with a third after 22 minutes. This now looked a lost cause at 3-0 down, with the newly promoted side from the Hampshire League Senior Division in the box seat.
However, the 38th minute was 'Prento Time' as Shaun Prentice made it 3-1 going into the break with his fifth goal in three games, thus giving the scoreline a more respectable look. Just shy of the hour Andrew Powell put the game seemingly out of sight with a fourth goal for Infinity. Surely it was party time for the Wessex League newboys now!
Downton brought on former Fawley AFC player Connor Lewis, and he obviously felt at home being in the area he previously played in. Infinity, ground sharing are from Knowle Village, near Fareham, until a new ground at Whickham is completed and having to make use of their temporary home best they can. The ex - 'Oiler' reduced arrears to 4-2 in the 67th minute to put Downton back in the game. Infinity, with star striker Jamie White now substituted, started to wane. They held out until five minutes from time when Callum Kitcher, another new signing from Amesbury Town made it 4-3. Was Rocky Robin rocking on!? Incredibly Lewis salvaged a point with a minute left. This must have been devastating for Infinity, yet the Wessex League Division 1 is all about picking up as many points early as possible to steer away from the bottom places for many of us. Everything is a bonus, and this was a point gained from the jaws of defeat.
Infinity - Webster, Peppal, McClean, Oxlade, Cripps, Watts, Boud, Alexander-Floyd, Parker (Francis) White (Morgan), Powell
Sub n/u - Kamara
Downton - Fredericks, Clark (Mackie), Howe, Ovington, Moss, Tyson, Butler, Kitcher, Laptas, Clarke (Lewis), Prentice
Sub n/u - Gain
Officials - K.Morgan, C.Hopkins, B.Francis
Attendance - 45
DOWNTON 3 - 1 TOTTON & ELING [Wessex League DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 3
(Prentice 80,84 (Pen), Butler 26)
Totton and Eling 1 (McKenley Burke 8)
(h/t 1-1)
The Robins moved up into 4th place with another case of Prentice at the double, following the rejuvenated strikers brace against Petersfield Town on Saturday to make it 6 points in four days at the Nest. Downton debuted new signing Callum Kitcher, signed from Amesbury Town. TJ Moseley and Marcel Laptas were still unavailable, yet Shaun Prentice once again made the difference tonight. Jamie Waters and Theo Wolfarth were also unavailable. Totton and Eling took the lead after 8 minutes through Nehniah McKenley - Burke when he curled in a free kick to put the 'Millers' ahead. This came after some early Robins pressure from the start had yielded no results.
Lewis Dumper was inspired in the Totton and Eling goal making a number of saves, though was beaten in the 26th minute when Cameron Butler controlled the ball and fired home to level the scores up, after being set up by Sam Howe. Ben Smith's charges laid siege in the second half and were unlucky not to add to the tally. It wasn't until ten minutes from time that Prentice struck after an effort rebounded off the post, for him to drill it past Dumper and put the Robins 2-1 ahead. Prentice finished the game off from the penalty spot, as the understated Robins continue to pile on the points unnoticed somewhat. Dumper had kept out efforts from Howe, Prentice and substitute Paul Gulliver to keep the visitors in the game.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe, Ovington, Moss, Kitcher, Butler, Tyson, Prentice, Clarke (Cummings), Dible (P. Gulliver).
Subs n/u- B.Smith, Gain, Lewis.
Totton and Eling - Dumper, Steel, Lachowicz, Andreas, Szymila, Callaway, Roles, Blackburn, Forrest (Higdon), McKenley - Burke, Wood (Ellis)
Subs - Ellis, Hidgon, Badjie, Toby
Officials - D.Pratt, G.Cash, P.Bower
Attendance - 101
(Prentice 80,84 (Pen), Butler 26)
Totton and Eling 1 (McKenley Burke 8)
(h/t 1-1)
The Robins moved up into 4th place with another case of Prentice at the double, following the rejuvenated strikers brace against Petersfield Town on Saturday to make it 6 points in four days at the Nest. Downton debuted new signing Callum Kitcher, signed from Amesbury Town. TJ Moseley and Marcel Laptas were still unavailable, yet Shaun Prentice once again made the difference tonight. Jamie Waters and Theo Wolfarth were also unavailable. Totton and Eling took the lead after 8 minutes through Nehniah McKenley - Burke when he curled in a free kick to put the 'Millers' ahead. This came after some early Robins pressure from the start had yielded no results.
Lewis Dumper was inspired in the Totton and Eling goal making a number of saves, though was beaten in the 26th minute when Cameron Butler controlled the ball and fired home to level the scores up, after being set up by Sam Howe. Ben Smith's charges laid siege in the second half and were unlucky not to add to the tally. It wasn't until ten minutes from time that Prentice struck after an effort rebounded off the post, for him to drill it past Dumper and put the Robins 2-1 ahead. Prentice finished the game off from the penalty spot, as the understated Robins continue to pile on the points unnoticed somewhat. Dumper had kept out efforts from Howe, Prentice and substitute Paul Gulliver to keep the visitors in the game.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe, Ovington, Moss, Kitcher, Butler, Tyson, Prentice, Clarke (Cummings), Dible (P. Gulliver).
Subs n/u- B.Smith, Gain, Lewis.
Totton and Eling - Dumper, Steel, Lachowicz, Andreas, Szymila, Callaway, Roles, Blackburn, Forrest (Higdon), McKenley - Burke, Wood (Ellis)
Subs - Ellis, Hidgon, Badjie, Toby
Officials - D.Pratt, G.Cash, P.Bower
Attendance - 101
DOWNTON 2 - 1 PETERSFIELD TOWN [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 2 (Prentice 33,55)
Petersfield Town 1 (Orepo 38)
(h/t 1-1)
(Chris Garvey reports from the Nest)
Downton earnt three more valuable points by defeating the 'Rams' at the Nest. The 'Robins' had a number of early chances in the direction of the visitors custodian Tim Jackson's goal, yet with no end result. Ben Smith was forced early on for a rethink as Jamie Smith's afternoon was ended with a hamstring injury after 15 minutes. The ever dependable Paul Gulliver replacing him in the Robins defensive unit. Downton, minus Marcel Laptas and TJ Moseley, were looking to Shaun Prentice to deliver the goods. Deliver he did in the 33rd minute after a scramble in the 'Rams' box, the striker tucked it away to put the Robins 1-0 ahead.
The home side were left to rue missed opportunities in the 38th minute when James Ovington passed the ball back to Matt Fredericks, though it never reached the former Locks Heath gloveman. Marvin Orepo said thank you very much, sliding the ball home into the corner, much to the delight of the away faithful. The second half saw Downton out of the traps and pile on the pressure, though Town sprung from the back on the counter, as is often the away teams set up's in the Wessex League. It was to no avail, as Prentice was on hand to finish off a scramble in the box burying the ball past Jackson, for what turned out to be the winning goal. Petersfield threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Robins defence, spurning a late chance to take a share of the spoils. The Robins are flying high now in 7th place and notching up some useful points alongside the recent cup runs.
Downton - Fredericks, J.Clark, Howe, Ovington, J Smith (P Gulliver), Wolfarth, Butler (Mackie), Waters (Conner), Prentice, D.Clarke, Dible.
Subs n/u - B.Smith, Cummings
Petersfield Town - Jackson, Alcock, Merritt, C Smith, Cooper, Colbourne, Bourbon, Jewell, Orepo, Paddon, Randall
Subs used - Akoman- Ehipkra, J Smith
n/u - Lorimer, Yates, Petts
Officials - J Foster, R.Lines, F Miah.
Attendance - 128
Petersfield Town 1 (Orepo 38)
(h/t 1-1)
(Chris Garvey reports from the Nest)
Downton earnt three more valuable points by defeating the 'Rams' at the Nest. The 'Robins' had a number of early chances in the direction of the visitors custodian Tim Jackson's goal, yet with no end result. Ben Smith was forced early on for a rethink as Jamie Smith's afternoon was ended with a hamstring injury after 15 minutes. The ever dependable Paul Gulliver replacing him in the Robins defensive unit. Downton, minus Marcel Laptas and TJ Moseley, were looking to Shaun Prentice to deliver the goods. Deliver he did in the 33rd minute after a scramble in the 'Rams' box, the striker tucked it away to put the Robins 1-0 ahead.
The home side were left to rue missed opportunities in the 38th minute when James Ovington passed the ball back to Matt Fredericks, though it never reached the former Locks Heath gloveman. Marvin Orepo said thank you very much, sliding the ball home into the corner, much to the delight of the away faithful. The second half saw Downton out of the traps and pile on the pressure, though Town sprung from the back on the counter, as is often the away teams set up's in the Wessex League. It was to no avail, as Prentice was on hand to finish off a scramble in the box burying the ball past Jackson, for what turned out to be the winning goal. Petersfield threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Robins defence, spurning a late chance to take a share of the spoils. The Robins are flying high now in 7th place and notching up some useful points alongside the recent cup runs.
Downton - Fredericks, J.Clark, Howe, Ovington, J Smith (P Gulliver), Wolfarth, Butler (Mackie), Waters (Conner), Prentice, D.Clarke, Dible.
Subs n/u - B.Smith, Cummings
Petersfield Town - Jackson, Alcock, Merritt, C Smith, Cooper, Colbourne, Bourbon, Jewell, Orepo, Paddon, Randall
Subs used - Akoman- Ehipkra, J Smith
n/u - Lorimer, Yates, Petts
Officials - J Foster, R.Lines, F Miah.
Attendance - 128
DOWNTON 1 - 0 ANDOVER NEW STREET [Wessex League Cup R3 2021/22]
Downton 1 (Howe 42)
Andover New Street 0
The Robins edged through in a competitive game against very difficult opponents to progress in the Wessex League Cup. The game was decided by a blistering free kick by Sam Howe, that the defender whipped in past the stranded New Street keeper Michael Weatherall into the top corner.
This followed a bad injury to TJ Moseley, who has confirmed a broken arm, went off to hospital and was able to walk off aided by Isa Fisher and Dan Newman. We have had further news that he will be requiring surgery, we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.
Andover New Street had a couple of penalty appeals turned down and Josh Jeffrey had hit the post, though the Robins rode out the Green and Black advances playing areas where needed, and Shaun Prentice labouring up front yet unable to beat Weatherell.
The visitors should have levelled when Danny Urry brought out a superb point blank save from Matt Fredericks. The home keeper cutting out a number of dangerous balls into the box. He was guarded well by the defence and midfield, as we fought hard to earn a victory in a competition that the club won in 1996 and were semi finalists in 2011.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe, Moss, J.Smith, Ovington, Cummings, Tyson, Moseley (Butler), Clarke, Prentice
Subs n/u - Daubney, McGregor, B.Smith, B Gulliver.
Andover New Street - Weatherall, Field, Morris, Rogers (Thatcher), Scott, Alderman, Lock, Owen, Philips (Urry), Davis (Rusher), Jeffrey,
Subs n/u- Pearson, O'Brien.
Officials - L Bomela, R.Halloren, C O'Neil
Attendance - 134.
Andover New Street 0
The Robins edged through in a competitive game against very difficult opponents to progress in the Wessex League Cup. The game was decided by a blistering free kick by Sam Howe, that the defender whipped in past the stranded New Street keeper Michael Weatherall into the top corner.
This followed a bad injury to TJ Moseley, who has confirmed a broken arm, went off to hospital and was able to walk off aided by Isa Fisher and Dan Newman. We have had further news that he will be requiring surgery, we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.
Andover New Street had a couple of penalty appeals turned down and Josh Jeffrey had hit the post, though the Robins rode out the Green and Black advances playing areas where needed, and Shaun Prentice labouring up front yet unable to beat Weatherell.
The visitors should have levelled when Danny Urry brought out a superb point blank save from Matt Fredericks. The home keeper cutting out a number of dangerous balls into the box. He was guarded well by the defence and midfield, as we fought hard to earn a victory in a competition that the club won in 1996 and were semi finalists in 2011.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe, Moss, J.Smith, Ovington, Cummings, Tyson, Moseley (Butler), Clarke, Prentice
Subs n/u - Daubney, McGregor, B.Smith, B Gulliver.
Andover New Street - Weatherall, Field, Morris, Rogers (Thatcher), Scott, Alderman, Lock, Owen, Philips (Urry), Davis (Rusher), Jeffrey,
Subs n/u- Pearson, O'Brien.
Officials - L Bomela, R.Halloren, C O'Neil
Attendance - 134.
RINGWOOD TOWN 1 - 2 DOWNTON [FA VASE 2nd QUALIFYING ROUND 2021/22]
Ringwood Town 1 (Fay 80)
Downton 2 (Cummings 30, Waters 50)
(h/t 0-1)
Downton earnt themselves a trip to Hellenic Premier League side Royal Wootten Bassett in the 1st round, with a second win at the Macra Community Stadium.
Though the win wasn't as emphatic 6-1 victory in September, it was still impressive for the Robins to reach this stage. Royal Wootten Bassett Town will be a different prospect altogether, as we know from the pre season game. They sit in 8th place in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League, at the time of writing. The Robins ran up a two goal lead with Jamie Waters and Josh Cummings on target, before Harrison Fay reduced arrears. Downton held out to earn a trip to North Wiltshire. Waters hit a free kick through the wall, which ghosted past Sam Riley in the home goal to give us the lead.
Josh Cummings, increased the Robins lead five minutes into the second half when TJ Moseley's cross found the on loan Dolphin at the back post to roll the ball in to put Downton 2-0 up. Harrison Fay's goal ten minutes from the end was not enough to salvage Ringwood Town's Vase dreams. Downton, had Ethan Daubney and Ben Gulliver make first team debuts late on. Ben Smith's threadbare squad get a chance to see what they can do against a strong side in the next round.
Ringwood Town - Riley, Hanley, Hutchings, Petty, Horton, B.Smith, Cole, Taylor, H.Smith, Harris, Fay
Subs used - Correia, Viner
Not used - Dodge, Mason, Knight, Gilham
Downton - Fredericks, Mackie, Dible, Ovington, P.Gulliver, Waters, Butler, Tyson, Laptas, Moseley, Cummings
Subs used - Daubney, B.Gulliver.
Not used - Prentice, B.Smith.
Officials - A.Rush Fear, S.Fall, J.Coombes
Attendance - 82
Article/words - Avril Lancaster
Downton 2 (Cummings 30, Waters 50)
(h/t 0-1)
Downton earnt themselves a trip to Hellenic Premier League side Royal Wootten Bassett in the 1st round, with a second win at the Macra Community Stadium.
Though the win wasn't as emphatic 6-1 victory in September, it was still impressive for the Robins to reach this stage. Royal Wootten Bassett Town will be a different prospect altogether, as we know from the pre season game. They sit in 8th place in the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier League, at the time of writing. The Robins ran up a two goal lead with Jamie Waters and Josh Cummings on target, before Harrison Fay reduced arrears. Downton held out to earn a trip to North Wiltshire. Waters hit a free kick through the wall, which ghosted past Sam Riley in the home goal to give us the lead.
Josh Cummings, increased the Robins lead five minutes into the second half when TJ Moseley's cross found the on loan Dolphin at the back post to roll the ball in to put Downton 2-0 up. Harrison Fay's goal ten minutes from the end was not enough to salvage Ringwood Town's Vase dreams. Downton, had Ethan Daubney and Ben Gulliver make first team debuts late on. Ben Smith's threadbare squad get a chance to see what they can do against a strong side in the next round.
Ringwood Town - Riley, Hanley, Hutchings, Petty, Horton, B.Smith, Cole, Taylor, H.Smith, Harris, Fay
Subs used - Correia, Viner
Not used - Dodge, Mason, Knight, Gilham
Downton - Fredericks, Mackie, Dible, Ovington, P.Gulliver, Waters, Butler, Tyson, Laptas, Moseley, Cummings
Subs used - Daubney, B.Gulliver.
Not used - Prentice, B.Smith.
Officials - A.Rush Fear, S.Fall, J.Coombes
Attendance - 82
Article/words - Avril Lancaster
DOWNTON 2 - 2 FAWLEY AFC [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 2 (Moseley 15, 90+5 pen)
Fawley AFC 2 (Munday 26, Bolton 35)
Attendance - 97
Fawley arrived at the Nest without a win to their name in the league, and a 6-0 defeat at New Milton Town in the league cup in the week. They were denied it in injury time when the referee awarded us a penalty, which earnt a point.
The Robins had started well in the first twenty minutes. Moseley rounded Coombes after fifteen minutes to give us the lead, and nearly made it 2-0 when he broke clear, only to see the 'Oilers' keeper get a touch onto the post. Fawley, had a plan B, and shackled Downton, breaking out of defence and keeping Marcel Laptas at bay. Downton had Paul Gulliver, Theo Wolfarth and Declan McGregor starting, with Sean Moss and Sam Howe missing, so had to readjust. Sam Dible, moving into the back four, and Shaun Prentice starting.
Without the suspended James Clark and Daniel Clarke as well, our creativity was extinguished, with Green putting in some good dead balls. It was this that caught us out after twenty six minutes, when Tom Munday moved up and flicked the ball with the faintest of touches past an advancing Matty Fredericks. Fredericks, was clearly in pain after the match, spending a while in the treatment room with physio Isa Fisher. The normally reliable stopper missed a corner, pitched in from Green, which Ben Bolton headed into the roof of the net ten minutes from the interval.
Fawley, had the bit between their teeth, and packed the middle of the field to stop any Downton creativity. They came here to put in a shift, and they certainly earnt their tiger tokens! Though this was not a refined game, and the 'Oilers' were all hands on the pumps, hustling the Robins in their back garden!
The Robins couldn't get going, or breakthrough. This was one game where a team yet to register it's first league win has to at some point, and today was that day. Everyone seemed to know it. Except TJ Moseley, who burst into their box in the fifth minute of injury time, and went to ground. Play went on, yet the referee called it back, and awarded a penalty. Moseley, planting it past Coombes to earn us a draw.
Downton - Fredericks, Dible, Wolforth, Ovington, P Gulliver, McGregor, Butler, Tyson, Laptas, Moseley, Prentice (Cummings)
Subs n/u Mackie, B.Smith, Waters
Fawley AFC - Coombes, Munday, Elkins, Earl, Sauce, Sheath, Stuttard (Smith), Green (Conners), Knight, Clifton, Boulton
Subs - Keating, Swift, Swift, Bowman, Conners
Officials - A Berry, A.Biddulph, B.Ellison
Fawley AFC 2 (Munday 26, Bolton 35)
Attendance - 97
Fawley arrived at the Nest without a win to their name in the league, and a 6-0 defeat at New Milton Town in the league cup in the week. They were denied it in injury time when the referee awarded us a penalty, which earnt a point.
The Robins had started well in the first twenty minutes. Moseley rounded Coombes after fifteen minutes to give us the lead, and nearly made it 2-0 when he broke clear, only to see the 'Oilers' keeper get a touch onto the post. Fawley, had a plan B, and shackled Downton, breaking out of defence and keeping Marcel Laptas at bay. Downton had Paul Gulliver, Theo Wolfarth and Declan McGregor starting, with Sean Moss and Sam Howe missing, so had to readjust. Sam Dible, moving into the back four, and Shaun Prentice starting.
Without the suspended James Clark and Daniel Clarke as well, our creativity was extinguished, with Green putting in some good dead balls. It was this that caught us out after twenty six minutes, when Tom Munday moved up and flicked the ball with the faintest of touches past an advancing Matty Fredericks. Fredericks, was clearly in pain after the match, spending a while in the treatment room with physio Isa Fisher. The normally reliable stopper missed a corner, pitched in from Green, which Ben Bolton headed into the roof of the net ten minutes from the interval.
Fawley, had the bit between their teeth, and packed the middle of the field to stop any Downton creativity. They came here to put in a shift, and they certainly earnt their tiger tokens! Though this was not a refined game, and the 'Oilers' were all hands on the pumps, hustling the Robins in their back garden!
The Robins couldn't get going, or breakthrough. This was one game where a team yet to register it's first league win has to at some point, and today was that day. Everyone seemed to know it. Except TJ Moseley, who burst into their box in the fifth minute of injury time, and went to ground. Play went on, yet the referee called it back, and awarded a penalty. Moseley, planting it past Coombes to earn us a draw.
Downton - Fredericks, Dible, Wolforth, Ovington, P Gulliver, McGregor, Butler, Tyson, Laptas, Moseley, Prentice (Cummings)
Subs n/u Mackie, B.Smith, Waters
Fawley AFC - Coombes, Munday, Elkins, Earl, Sauce, Sheath, Stuttard (Smith), Green (Conners), Knight, Clifton, Boulton
Subs - Keating, Swift, Swift, Bowman, Conners
Officials - A Berry, A.Biddulph, B.Ellison
DOWNTON 5 - 4 BOURNEMOUTH FC [WESSEX LEAGUE CUP 2021/22]
Downton 5 (Moseley 40, 55,68, Laptas 45,74)
Bournemouth FC 4 (L Harvey 2, Manuel Bruno, Carkeet)
Downton, went through to the next round of the Wessex League Cup, earning themselves a home tie with Andover New Street, reports Chris Garvey from Wick Lane.
TJ Moseley returned with a hat trick, and Marcel Laptas scored twice. Bournemouth FC, will now focus on their trip to Blackfield and Langley on Saturday in the Wessex Premier League.
Downton, will be looking to get back on track in the Wessex League 1st Division when Fawley AFC visit.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond (Clark), Dible, Moss (P.Gulliver), B.Smith, McGregor, Butler, Waters (D.Clarke), Laptas, Moseley, Cummings
Subs n/u - Prentice, Wilkins
Bournemouth FC - Gravett, Ohameje, McKay, Carkeet, L.Harvey, McKenzie, Matthews, Haensel, Canader, Steer, Bruno,
Subs - Herrington, Johnson, Philips, Smith, J Harvey.
Officials - K Petrox, C.Hopkins, C. Vaughan.
Attendance - 117
Photo - TJ Moseley, back from injury with a hat trick.
Bournemouth FC 4 (L Harvey 2, Manuel Bruno, Carkeet)
Downton, went through to the next round of the Wessex League Cup, earning themselves a home tie with Andover New Street, reports Chris Garvey from Wick Lane.
TJ Moseley returned with a hat trick, and Marcel Laptas scored twice. Bournemouth FC, will now focus on their trip to Blackfield and Langley on Saturday in the Wessex Premier League.
Downton, will be looking to get back on track in the Wessex League 1st Division when Fawley AFC visit.
Downton - Fredericks, Osmond (Clark), Dible, Moss (P.Gulliver), B.Smith, McGregor, Butler, Waters (D.Clarke), Laptas, Moseley, Cummings
Subs n/u - Prentice, Wilkins
Bournemouth FC - Gravett, Ohameje, McKay, Carkeet, L.Harvey, McKenzie, Matthews, Haensel, Canader, Steer, Bruno,
Subs - Herrington, Johnson, Philips, Smith, J Harvey.
Officials - K Petrox, C.Hopkins, C. Vaughan.
Attendance - 117
Photo - TJ Moseley, back from injury with a hat trick.
ASH UTD 0 - 2 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Ash United 0
Downton 2 (Dible 59, Laptas 80)
Marcel Laptas continued his good run in front of goal for the Robins, as the team picked up a very creditable win at the Third Generation Services Stadium. This was a superb result following last weekends victory over leaders Newport IOW. Ben Smith, has rallied his troops, and added some quality into the line up, blended with some good younger players. We don't get carried away either, the underdogs mantle suits the Robins. Ash United, had moved across from the Combined Counties League this season, and this is the longest mainland journey against a team more familiar with the home counties.
Daniel Clarke had the best chance, in what was a rather uneventful first half. Clarke, went past two defenders to fire the ball past advancing keeper Jamie Cunningham, the post saving the home side. Smith had to make a change after half an hour in. James Ovington pulling up injured, Sam Moss replacing the former Watford player from the bench. The teams went in scoreless at the break, here you would have settled for this, yet the Robins were not to be kept quiet for long. Sam Dible opened the scoring in the 59th minute. His strike partner Marcel Laptas took on the Ash defence to find Dible, who fired past Cunningham into the bottom corner of the net. 1-0 to the Robins, and a response was needed by the home team.
They brought on tall striker Orlando and winger Baniya, here one expected a lot of pressure on skipper Matty Fredericks goal. It was all fairly quiet, until a good move by Ash United resulted in Jay Warden incredibly hitting the underside of the crossbar, with an open goal at his mercy it really should have been the equaliser. Smith, however, has players who can turn the taps on so to speak. Without striker TJ Moseley available, Laptas, Dible and Cameron Butler twisted and turned the home defence. Shaun Prentice came on and added more pressure. Full back Sam Howe joined in drilling a piledriver, that Cunningham had no option but to punch it out and away.
Prentice made his mark setting up the second goal when Cunningham pushed out his effort. Former AFC Stoneham striker Laptas duly put the rebound home with ten minutes to go. The Robins got in, did the business, and now face a spider's web of fixtures this month. Not a problem, everything is a bonus at the Nest. No one looks at us, and I hazard a guess this is just how Ben Smith and his coaching team would want it.
Ash United - Cunningham, Pound, Green, Bale, Devanney, Billingham, Hardy, Robertson (Baniya), Wilson (Orlando), Warden, Aubrey-Simpson, Ochiltree
Subs n/u - Holmes/Jones
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe (Cummings), Ovington (Moss), J.Smith, Tyson, Butler, Waters, Laptas, D Clarke (Prentice), Dible
Subs n/u - Savage, Taylor.
Officials - J.Byng, D.Briggs, C.Eccott
Attendance - 155 (16 away)
Report/Photo - Avril Lancaster
Downton 2 (Dible 59, Laptas 80)
Marcel Laptas continued his good run in front of goal for the Robins, as the team picked up a very creditable win at the Third Generation Services Stadium. This was a superb result following last weekends victory over leaders Newport IOW. Ben Smith, has rallied his troops, and added some quality into the line up, blended with some good younger players. We don't get carried away either, the underdogs mantle suits the Robins. Ash United, had moved across from the Combined Counties League this season, and this is the longest mainland journey against a team more familiar with the home counties.
Daniel Clarke had the best chance, in what was a rather uneventful first half. Clarke, went past two defenders to fire the ball past advancing keeper Jamie Cunningham, the post saving the home side. Smith had to make a change after half an hour in. James Ovington pulling up injured, Sam Moss replacing the former Watford player from the bench. The teams went in scoreless at the break, here you would have settled for this, yet the Robins were not to be kept quiet for long. Sam Dible opened the scoring in the 59th minute. His strike partner Marcel Laptas took on the Ash defence to find Dible, who fired past Cunningham into the bottom corner of the net. 1-0 to the Robins, and a response was needed by the home team.
They brought on tall striker Orlando and winger Baniya, here one expected a lot of pressure on skipper Matty Fredericks goal. It was all fairly quiet, until a good move by Ash United resulted in Jay Warden incredibly hitting the underside of the crossbar, with an open goal at his mercy it really should have been the equaliser. Smith, however, has players who can turn the taps on so to speak. Without striker TJ Moseley available, Laptas, Dible and Cameron Butler twisted and turned the home defence. Shaun Prentice came on and added more pressure. Full back Sam Howe joined in drilling a piledriver, that Cunningham had no option but to punch it out and away.
Prentice made his mark setting up the second goal when Cunningham pushed out his effort. Former AFC Stoneham striker Laptas duly put the rebound home with ten minutes to go. The Robins got in, did the business, and now face a spider's web of fixtures this month. Not a problem, everything is a bonus at the Nest. No one looks at us, and I hazard a guess this is just how Ben Smith and his coaching team would want it.
Ash United - Cunningham, Pound, Green, Bale, Devanney, Billingham, Hardy, Robertson (Baniya), Wilson (Orlando), Warden, Aubrey-Simpson, Ochiltree
Subs n/u - Holmes/Jones
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Howe (Cummings), Ovington (Moss), J.Smith, Tyson, Butler, Waters, Laptas, D Clarke (Prentice), Dible
Subs n/u - Savage, Taylor.
Officials - J.Byng, D.Briggs, C.Eccott
Attendance - 155 (16 away)
Report/Photo - Avril Lancaster
DOWNTON 2 - 0 Newport IOW [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Downton 2 (P.Gulliver 59, Tyson 90+6)
Newport IOW 0
The Robins made a number of changes from last Saturdays victory over Andover Town as they encountered the league leaders in front of a bumper crowd of 223 at the Nest. Many here for the opening of the Ian Drinkwater Stand, named after the club legend.
The Islanders had won all their opening games and were fresh off the back of a 5-1 win at Cove in the Hampshire Senior Cup in the week, following four opening Wessex League victories to top the table with a maximum twelve points.
The visitors had an early chance when Matty Fredericks kept out Jacob Reynolds as the leaders looked to take command. The Robins would be pleased to take the half time break all square having contained the Islanders. Without TJ Moseley up front to partner Marcel Laptas, Paul Gulliver was pushed up to number nine. Gulliver followed up his goal at Ringwood Town, to beat Gary Streeter from a low centre and open the scoring in the 59th minute. Downton had a different look to them, Theo Wolfarth, Jamie Smith, Jamie Osmington and Cameron Butler all starting.
Newport tried to find a pathway to breach Downton lines, with Jared Cousins on the field, they pushed forward. By the sixth minute of injury time, with the whole team up for a corner trying to rescue a point, former Selkirk player Craig Tyson broke free to score the second. This is itself, an apt tribute to the Drinkwater family and friends in attendance. The Robins go again at Ash United next Saturday, though no one here is going over the top. Although though a very positive start, feet are firmly on the ground. Ben Smith will no doubt be putting the 'no complacency' message across, as we don't know what Ash United may well have in the locker having joined from the Combined Counties League.
Referee - C.Hardingham
Assistants - S.Villers, K.Bagot
Attendance - 223
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolforth, Ovington, J.Smith, Waters, Butler, Tyson, Gulliver, Laptas, Dible
Subs used - Taylor, Cummings
Subs n/u - Savage, Osmond, B.Smith.
Newport IOW - Streeter, Hughes, Youmie, Barron, McDugh, Pearce (Harper), Kelly, Reynolds, Browne, McArthur (Cousins), Butcher.
Report/Photo - Avril Lancaster
Newport IOW 0
The Robins made a number of changes from last Saturdays victory over Andover Town as they encountered the league leaders in front of a bumper crowd of 223 at the Nest. Many here for the opening of the Ian Drinkwater Stand, named after the club legend.
The Islanders had won all their opening games and were fresh off the back of a 5-1 win at Cove in the Hampshire Senior Cup in the week, following four opening Wessex League victories to top the table with a maximum twelve points.
The visitors had an early chance when Matty Fredericks kept out Jacob Reynolds as the leaders looked to take command. The Robins would be pleased to take the half time break all square having contained the Islanders. Without TJ Moseley up front to partner Marcel Laptas, Paul Gulliver was pushed up to number nine. Gulliver followed up his goal at Ringwood Town, to beat Gary Streeter from a low centre and open the scoring in the 59th minute. Downton had a different look to them, Theo Wolfarth, Jamie Smith, Jamie Osmington and Cameron Butler all starting.
Newport tried to find a pathway to breach Downton lines, with Jared Cousins on the field, they pushed forward. By the sixth minute of injury time, with the whole team up for a corner trying to rescue a point, former Selkirk player Craig Tyson broke free to score the second. This is itself, an apt tribute to the Drinkwater family and friends in attendance. The Robins go again at Ash United next Saturday, though no one here is going over the top. Although though a very positive start, feet are firmly on the ground. Ben Smith will no doubt be putting the 'no complacency' message across, as we don't know what Ash United may well have in the locker having joined from the Combined Counties League.
Referee - C.Hardingham
Assistants - S.Villers, K.Bagot
Attendance - 223
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Wolforth, Ovington, J.Smith, Waters, Butler, Tyson, Gulliver, Laptas, Dible
Subs used - Taylor, Cummings
Subs n/u - Savage, Osmond, B.Smith.
Newport IOW - Streeter, Hughes, Youmie, Barron, McDugh, Pearce (Harper), Kelly, Reynolds, Browne, McArthur (Cousins), Butcher.
Report/Photo - Avril Lancaster
Ringwood Town 1 - 6 DOWNTON [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Ringwood Town 1 (Matthews 17)
Downton 6 (Laptas 5, 62, Howe 11, P. Gulliver 38, Cummings 70, Moseley 83)
The Robins flew to a 6-1 victory at Ringwood Town to pick up their first points of the season. Debutants Jamie Smith and Poole Town loan player Josh Cummings came into the squad on the bench.
Marcel Laptas opened the scoring in the 5th minute before a superb 30 yard free kick from Sam Howe caught Ringwood keeper Ed Kitcher cold to extend the lead to 2-0 and provide a dream start.
Shell shocked Ringwood replied in the 17th minute when neat link up play between Morgan Cole and James Matthews allowed the latter to put the ball past Matt Fredericks and reduce arrears for the home side.
Downton regained their two goal advantage with a scrambled goal and first for the season for defender Paul Gulliver after a corner seven minutes before the interval to give the Robins a 3-1 lead at the break.
Laptas extended the lead in the 62nd minute with a superb finish by planting the ball into the roof of the net after an interchange with TJ Moseley to put the Robins 4-1 ahead. This was the former AFC Stoneham strikers second of the afternoon.
Substitute Cummings made it 5-1 in the 70th minute. The on loan Dolphin tucking away a sublime cross by Moseley. Former Cardiff Met man Moseley rounded off the afternoon seven minutes from time with a cross shot that eluded Kitcher and went into the net for the sixth.
Downton had further chances from Moseley, Laptas, Sam Dible, James Clark, Craig Tyson and Declan McGregor in what was an incredible day for Ben Smith and the team.
Ringwood Town - Kitcher, Mason, Churchill, Petty, B.Smith, Hitchings, Matthews, Cole, H.Smith, Harris, Faye.
Subs used - Roberts, Brown, Correia
n/u - Riley, Halford.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Howe (McGregor), P.Gulliver, Tyson, Gain (J.Smith), Mackie, Moseley, Laptas, Prentice (Cummings)
Subs n/u - Waters, Ford.
Referee - A.Skeates
Assistants - P.Carr, M.Ashley.
Attendance - 103 ( 54 Downton )
Match report and Photo: Chris Garvey
Downton 6 (Laptas 5, 62, Howe 11, P. Gulliver 38, Cummings 70, Moseley 83)
The Robins flew to a 6-1 victory at Ringwood Town to pick up their first points of the season. Debutants Jamie Smith and Poole Town loan player Josh Cummings came into the squad on the bench.
Marcel Laptas opened the scoring in the 5th minute before a superb 30 yard free kick from Sam Howe caught Ringwood keeper Ed Kitcher cold to extend the lead to 2-0 and provide a dream start.
Shell shocked Ringwood replied in the 17th minute when neat link up play between Morgan Cole and James Matthews allowed the latter to put the ball past Matt Fredericks and reduce arrears for the home side.
Downton regained their two goal advantage with a scrambled goal and first for the season for defender Paul Gulliver after a corner seven minutes before the interval to give the Robins a 3-1 lead at the break.
Laptas extended the lead in the 62nd minute with a superb finish by planting the ball into the roof of the net after an interchange with TJ Moseley to put the Robins 4-1 ahead. This was the former AFC Stoneham strikers second of the afternoon.
Substitute Cummings made it 5-1 in the 70th minute. The on loan Dolphin tucking away a sublime cross by Moseley. Former Cardiff Met man Moseley rounded off the afternoon seven minutes from time with a cross shot that eluded Kitcher and went into the net for the sixth.
Downton had further chances from Moseley, Laptas, Sam Dible, James Clark, Craig Tyson and Declan McGregor in what was an incredible day for Ben Smith and the team.
Ringwood Town - Kitcher, Mason, Churchill, Petty, B.Smith, Hitchings, Matthews, Cole, H.Smith, Harris, Faye.
Subs used - Roberts, Brown, Correia
n/u - Riley, Halford.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Howe (McGregor), P.Gulliver, Tyson, Gain (J.Smith), Mackie, Moseley, Laptas, Prentice (Cummings)
Subs n/u - Waters, Ford.
Referee - A.Skeates
Assistants - P.Carr, M.Ashley.
Attendance - 103 ( 54 Downton )
Match report and Photo: Chris Garvey
DOWNTON 1 - 2 Folland Sports [WESSEX LEAGUE DIV 1 2021/22]
Folland jetted into the Nest and took charge early doors after an opening fifteen minutes that was cat and mouse and the teams checked out each other in the seasons opener at Wick Lane.
Downton had Ben Smith and Matty Palmer as a commanding centre half pair with former AFC Stoneham target man Marcel Laptas up front with TJ Moseley. Sam Dible and James Clark giving the defence balance. Moseley had drilled an effort at the Follands goal which keeper Henry Newman had managed to retrieve. The former Cardiff Met forward looking to get back into the swing of things. A corner hooked in by the impressive Clayd Roach into the Robin's flight path was buried by Matt Casey's bullet header to see the visitors take off in their season after 18 minutes to put the Hamble side on course.
Follands worked the midfield and counter attacked to great effect. They looked industrious as they linked up and pushed on into the final third. Palmer did well to shackle their advances. Roach poached a second after the a ball over the top eluded air traffic control and the nippy front runner knocked it past Matty Fredericks for 2-0. Follands offered more and Will Gange's thumping header from another corner was deflected over by Fredericks as the visitors rampaged on the Robins. Smith made changes and Declan McGregor came on. There was much more shape as Downton came back into things and a 53rd minute goalmouth melee ended up with Dan Clarke forcing the ball over the line. There was some confusion over whether it counted as Folland keeper Newman was treated on the pitch. The goal stood and the Robins were back on the right flight path.
Roach and Casey both put good chances over the bar for the visitors. They were well stewarded by Smith and Palmer. Downton pressed forward and forced a couple of corners. Once Laptas gets some more minutes in along with Moseley things will take shape. Folland Sports had nous and played areas to get the job done. A talented team who will do well though the Robins did seem to get more on top in the last twenty minutes. Folland deserved the win yet it was an encouraging display by Downton after a very difficult pre season. Club spokesman Chris Garvey said after the game "Roach was the difference today. He was the gravy for them." Roach appreciated Downton chairman Dan Newman's congratulations as the teams came off. We shall support the team whatever the outcome and that they put in a good show was a morale booster going into next weekends derby at Ringwood Town.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Palmer, Smith, Dylan Gain (McGregor), Clarke (Mackie), Waters, Laptas, Moseley, Osmond (Wolforth)
Subs n/u - Ford, Savage
Folland Sports - Newman, Bartlett, Manuel, Gatera, Rowe, Johnson, Roach, Casey, Gange, Anders, Craven
Subs - Baker, Smith, Williams, Johnson
Referee - L. Bomela
Assistants - R.Burton, J.Gardener
Attendance - 142
Report - Avril Lancaster
Downton had Ben Smith and Matty Palmer as a commanding centre half pair with former AFC Stoneham target man Marcel Laptas up front with TJ Moseley. Sam Dible and James Clark giving the defence balance. Moseley had drilled an effort at the Follands goal which keeper Henry Newman had managed to retrieve. The former Cardiff Met forward looking to get back into the swing of things. A corner hooked in by the impressive Clayd Roach into the Robin's flight path was buried by Matt Casey's bullet header to see the visitors take off in their season after 18 minutes to put the Hamble side on course.
Follands worked the midfield and counter attacked to great effect. They looked industrious as they linked up and pushed on into the final third. Palmer did well to shackle their advances. Roach poached a second after the a ball over the top eluded air traffic control and the nippy front runner knocked it past Matty Fredericks for 2-0. Follands offered more and Will Gange's thumping header from another corner was deflected over by Fredericks as the visitors rampaged on the Robins. Smith made changes and Declan McGregor came on. There was much more shape as Downton came back into things and a 53rd minute goalmouth melee ended up with Dan Clarke forcing the ball over the line. There was some confusion over whether it counted as Folland keeper Newman was treated on the pitch. The goal stood and the Robins were back on the right flight path.
Roach and Casey both put good chances over the bar for the visitors. They were well stewarded by Smith and Palmer. Downton pressed forward and forced a couple of corners. Once Laptas gets some more minutes in along with Moseley things will take shape. Folland Sports had nous and played areas to get the job done. A talented team who will do well though the Robins did seem to get more on top in the last twenty minutes. Folland deserved the win yet it was an encouraging display by Downton after a very difficult pre season. Club spokesman Chris Garvey said after the game "Roach was the difference today. He was the gravy for them." Roach appreciated Downton chairman Dan Newman's congratulations as the teams came off. We shall support the team whatever the outcome and that they put in a good show was a morale booster going into next weekends derby at Ringwood Town.
Downton - Fredericks, Clark, Dible, Palmer, Smith, Dylan Gain (McGregor), Clarke (Mackie), Waters, Laptas, Moseley, Osmond (Wolforth)
Subs n/u - Ford, Savage
Folland Sports - Newman, Bartlett, Manuel, Gatera, Rowe, Johnson, Roach, Casey, Gange, Anders, Craven
Subs - Baker, Smith, Williams, Johnson
Referee - L. Bomela
Assistants - R.Burton, J.Gardener
Attendance - 142
Report - Avril Lancaster