DOWNTON slumped to their fourth league defeat of the season, losing 5-1 to a well organised Ringwood Town on Saturday.

It only took 20 minutes before Ringwood were gifted their first goal with a poor pass from Joe Benfield into the path of River Smith who made no mistake, in making it 1-0 to the New Forest side. Almost a replica of the same pass saw Benfield give the ball away again to make it 2 -0.

The Robins made two changes at the break but it was not enough to stop Ringwood running riot. Matt Cox pulled a goal back with good work through Ben Smith.

Downton had big claims for a penalty with 15 minutes to play but the referee waved play on much to the disbelief of both sides. To make matters worse Downton lost two players through injury and played the last ten minutes with nine players and two goals late on gave the home side a convincing win.

Co-managers Nigel Green and Ben Smith speaking to JournalSport after the game on Saturday said: “We were without eight first team players through various reasons and it really showed.

“Last week we managed to get away with one or two missing but you can’t come to an in form side like Ringwood and get any kind of result without putting maximum effort in. Unfortunately today was one to put behind us and move on.”