DOWNTON started the season off in fine form with a 3-1 win over Folland Sports, and joint manger Ben Smith, along with Nigel Green, believes their side can finish in the top five following the good start.

The Robins finished 11th last season, but ended the season on a high, and Smith is hoping to carry this on into the new season.

He told JournalSport: “Hopefully we can start the season how we finished, and the lads know that’s what I’m expecting.

“Last season we beat every top side at least once but struggled to do the same with teams below us.

“If we can turn that around there could be a top five finish in sight.”

Smith said: “With a few new additions and a new chairman in place, the club is in good shape and hopefully a successful season will follow.”

Green spoke about his excitement ahead of the new season, and said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead as joint manager with Ben, and Mark the coach.

“It’s been great to keep the nucleus of last season’s players, with a few new additions.”

The Robins have only played two games so far this season, but looked convincing with a 3-1 win away at Folland Sports and a 1-0 win away at Andover New Street, which leaves the Robins in fourth place.

Green expressed his excitement about the players they have and said: “We’ve got a great group of lads with a great work ethic and team spirit.

“We had a great start beating Folland’s away to kick the season off and are looking to build on that and have a successful season.”

Downton are away again in their next fixture and will play Totton and Eling.