DOWNTON started the month with a great win over high-flying AFC Stoneham - despite late drama.

A crowd of 55 greeted the players with the hosts unbeaten going into the game, while Downton brought in Rob Crossley between the posts for his first team debut.

Downton were coming off of a strong victory over local rivals Laverstock and Ford the week before, and had to be at their best to deal with the home team’s clear strengths in the middle.

It was Stoneham that struck first, hitting a shot beyond Crossley’s grasp.

As ever with the Robins, though, this seemed to spur them into action - first, Shaun Prentice striking another cracking goal and then Tom Aldridge, ever present in the box, grabbing Downton’s second.

This proved to be the winner, but there was still time for more action, with Rob Crossley dismissed after handling outside his box. Dan Telfer spent the last ten minutes in goal - Stoneham pressed hard, but the luck stayed with the Robins to run out 2-1 winners.

Manager Ben Smith spoke after the game and said: “Not the best of starts especially after our midweek performance.

“Last season we would play well and lose these types of games, but today we showed great spirit and pulled together which was fantastic for the lads.”