WORRIED Downton boss Jeff Softley, pictured, admits if his basement Robins don’t clock their first victory in 20 Wessex Premier games during their weekend derby with Verwood Town “they are relegated”.

Downton are currently locked at the foot of the table – in 22nd – with a mere 20 points to their name and six matches remaining.

But a win at Wick Lane on Saturday (3pm) against Adie Arnold’s men, who are only four places above them in the league standings, would ease their relegation fears, for the moment. Anything less will see them demoted.

“If you could place a bet on us to get relegated, I reckon we’d be odds on 1/4,” Softley said.

“Going down 4-0 at Hamworthy United on Tuesday was atrocious, and possibly our worst performance to date.

“After the game I said to the players if you don’t turn up on Saturday and not win, we’re relegated.

“I know it’s not mathematically impossible to survive.

“I’ve got belief in my players and I hope they have belief in me. We’ve a hard job ahead.”

Craig Lewis’ strike earned Downton a point at Christchurch at the weekend, but draws are not helping them prevail in a dogfight.

He added: “I don’t think I’ve had the same back four all season, which makes it difficult.”

“We have to win games and despite the negatives, recent performances from Joey Weeks, Lewis and Dan Newman have been positive for us.”

Downton’s relegation-feared rivals Fawley took a point off Bemerton Heath Harlequins, who stay unbeaten in their past 10 league matches.

Joe Sanger’s terrific solo effort cancelled out the visitors’ fortuitous opener. The Western Way team go to AFC Portchester at the weekend.