NEWCOMER Sam Griffin made an instrumental debut for Bemerton Heath Harlequins in their 2-0 Wessex League Cup second round win over foes Downton FC.

Griffin, signed from Southern League Division One South & West outfit Wimborne Town, had an assist and bagged a goal to book a home third round tie against Andover Town.

Before Griffin weaved his magic in the final third, Bemerton were awarded a penalty inside the opening five minutes at Western Way.

Tom Jeffes was impeded in the area and clubman Graham Mankin stepped up from 12 yards, but his tame effort was gathered by Robins shotstopper Charlie Aldridge.

Mankin nearly made amends for the miss with a header and then Jeffes saw his snapshot effort blocked.

Bemerton continued to press in the second period and had the visitors camped in their own half.

And as the 70th minute arrived, Bemerton's inevitable opener came.

The ever-impressive Griffin sent in a corner which Mankin headed goalwards and Will Robinson was on hand to flick the ball into the roof of the net.

The hosts doubled their cushion ten minutes later. Griffin was rewarded for his efforts with an unstoppable strike.

Happy 'Quins head coach Graham Kemp said: "We completely controlled the game and it was a good win. The clean sheet was nice as we've conceded a lot of goals recently and on another day we could've won by a lot more as their keeper (Charlie Aldridge) made some good saves today."

Counterpart Colin Hopkins, whose side have gone six matches without a win in all competitions, admitted his Robins were outplayed.

"We gave a good account of ourselves particularly in the first half but we conceded two goals that we probably wouldn't have in our league," he said.

"Bemerton found us out from a set piece for the first goal and our naivety prior to the second cost us. However, the finish was excellent and it killed the game off."