LOWLY Downton were left rueing missed chances after being succumbed to a solitary defeat at Wick Lane.

The Robins dominated the first half against East Cowes Victoria but were unable to expose the visiting side’s keeper, as both teams entered the interval goalless.

But, not long into the second half, Charlie Aldridge, merely a spectator in Robins’ goal during the opening 45 minutes, was left stranded when a simple cross was converted into the net. That moment was the decisive one.

Downton manager Colin Hopkins said: “I could not fault our application and some of the football we produced was excellent.

“Charlie has been outstanding this season and will certainly win many more points than he loses us but it was our failure to capitalise on chances and score that ultimately cost us the match.”

Downton, second from bottom in Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Division One, hope to secure a morale-boosting win at table-topping United Services Portsmouth on Saturday (3pm).

United Services Portsmouth have taken 12 points from their opening six encounters in the Wessex League Division One.