Sydenhams Premier Division

Downton 1

Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3

Downton: Aldridge, Austin, Brooks, Crisp, Dunne, Gulliver, Johnson, Mancini, McGregor, Pitt, Waters.

Bemerton: Frampton, Metcalfe, Roe, Roberts, Mankin, Whitcher, Dawes, Young, Slade (c), Sanger, Eves.

Scorers: Slade (32, 65), Johnson (45), Young (55).

Att: 100.

BEMERTON Heath Harlequins recorded back-to-back victories over their neighbours Downton after replicating their Wiltshire Cup quarter-final win in the Sydenhams Premier Division on Tuesday night.

The identical scoreline meant many goals were on offer again in a fairly even encounter – the only game to go ahead in the premier division - on derby day at Wick Lane.

Jack Slade opened the scoring midway through the first half after smashing home Dan Metcalfe’s cross.

Dowton got themselves back in the game on the stroke of half-time when Martin Johnson’s effort seemed to clang off both posts and then cross the line, as the linesman gave the goal.

Both sides were level at the break, but it was Harlequins who started the stronger after the break and were rewarded with two goals, and three points to consolidate their league position.

Danny Young restored their advantage with a header from Jack Eves’s cross and then a magical free kick from Slade, completing his brace on a wet and miserable night, wrapped it up.

But victory came at a price for Ian chalk’s men as he lost Ollie Roe early on to a knee injury which could see him out of action for six to eight weeks.

“It was a fairly even match but we had enough quality to win the game,” Chalk said.

“We played some good football and it’s nice to get another win. Jack was excellent and he’s getting back to his best.

“We need to start picking up some points and see where we go.

“It’s a shame we lost Ollie and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Third from bottom Downton, with 17 points to their name, are in desperate need of a win but boss Jeff Softley is certain they can “definitely” avoid the drop.

“There are many positives to take but it’s horrible getting beaten again,” said Softley, whose Robins were last triumphant in October.

“If we can keep the tempo and effort we showed on Tuesday going throughout the season, we can definitely get out of the bottom three. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

“It will also help when we get a few faces back, including centre-half Matt Palmer.”

Newboy Andy Longland made his Downton debut and will be looking to be selected for Tuesday’s game versus Moneyfields (7.45pm).