DOWNTON FC finally have something to cheer about after securing a moraleboosting win in the Wiltshire Senior Cup – their first under Colin Hopkins’s tenure.

Eight games into the campaign and no win, The Robins needed a dramatic change in fortune, and they got their just rewards with a 2-1 victory over Westbury United in the first round at Wick Lane.

A Ben Rankin spot kick and debutant Ross Bentall ended a nine-week wait for victory as their goals ensured they fought back from falling behind early on.

Bentall and Rankin did enough to grab more with further efforts which cannoned off the woodwork and upright, respectively.

Manager Hopkins, pictured, who last week told the Journal victory was in sight, hailed his battling troops: “We were fantastic against a p h y s i c a l Westbury side and thoroughly deserved the win, with new signings Matt Holmes and Ross Bentall looking as if they have been with us all season.”

“I knew Matt and Ross would make a difference but for them both to have such an impact on their debuts was brilliant.

Matt was instrumental in our forward play and Ross never stopped working all game, scored a superb goal and will definitely score more with our attacking style of football.”

Downton have another home tie in the second round as they have been drawn against Highworth Town on Saturday, November 8 (3pm).