DOWNTON won 2-1 at Bradford Town in the same round of the FA Vase last year – but that omen did not help them on Saturday as their disappointing start to the season continued.

Bradford, who are top of Western Division One having not lost a game, went 2-0 up quickly.

Danny Western pulled one back with an outstanding 20-yard strike into the top corner. The home team restored their two-goal lead early in the second half though.

Tom Plant gave the Robins hope with a cracking goal but Bradford had the last word and won 4-2.

“They are a decent side this year and they will win that league,” said Downton boss Jeff Softley.

“We gave away two poor goals early on. Danny Western was our best player by a mile, and their goalkeeper made two great saves from his free kicks.

“At 3-2 we should have had a penalty for handball. It was absolutely blatant and their dugout agreed.

“We have had a terribly tough start with players unavailable. I’m hoping to have players back on Saturday because at the moment we’re putting square pegs in round holes.

“We signed Martin Johnson, a 20-year-old attacking player from Frome Town, last Thursday. He is a class act and would have made his debut against his old team on Saturday, but he had to pull out with tonsillitis.”

Ludgershall centre half Michael Owen made his Robins debut on Saturday. They entertain Bournemouth Poppies on Saturday and Winchester City on Tuesday.

“We have been winning for the last three seasons and now it’s looking negative,” admitted Softley.

“I’m still positive though because we have players to come back.”