Robins prove another point (From Salisbury Journal)

Robins prove another point

3:32pm Wednesday 8th October 2008 in Headlines By Ryan Lovejoy

DOWNTON are still searching for their first win of the season after conceding a late goal at Tadley Calleva on Saturday.

Craig Baker set up Kev Thick for the opener after ten minutes, as the Robins dominated the early exchanges.

Tadley levelled with a header in the second half after Downton failed to clear their lines.

Matt Baker slotted past the Tadley goalkeeper with 20 minutes to go after Lewis Marchment played him in, and the Robins missed chances to go further ahead.

They were made to pay for their profligacy, just as they were in a 2-2 draw at Andover New Street last month, when a long ball was not cleared and Tadley levelled with four minutes to go.

"We could even had won it after they equalised but their goalkeeper made two good saves," said manager Jeff Softley.

"We should have scored five or six, but the positive is that we dominated the game and can take confidence from that."

Downton take on an unknown quantity in the shape of FC Chippenham who they visit for a Wiltshire Senior Cup tie on Saturday, before Tuesday evening's important league game at home to Hythe & Dibden.

"I might give a few players a run-out on Saturday before the game against Hythe, who have started to pick up," explained Softley.

The reserves failed to raise a side for their game at AFC Portchester, making it two consecutive weeks that they have not fulfilled a fixture.

"We don't want to get charged every time this happens, so a decision has to be made soon," lamented Softley.

"I was without six first-teamers on Saturday though and the knock-on effect meant we just couldn't get enough reserves."