DOWNTON FC succumbed to a fourth straight league defeat at New Milton.

Things followed the script for Downton when Dan Telfer rushed them into an early lead after tucking home Ben Rankin’s free kick which rattled the upright.

Downton’s confidence grew and they totally dominated the first 20 minutes of the first half with further opportunities for Rankin, Telfer and newcomer Ross Bentall.

However, the best opportunity fell to centre back Dan Savage from a set piece following the home team’s keeper’s error but he was unable to capitalise.

New Milton then started to put Downton under more pressure and equalised holding Downton 1-1 at half time.

In the second half, New Milton piled more pressure on Downton’s goal and, although Charlie Aldridge kept them at bay with some excellent saves, it was only a matter of time before New Milton scored – from a simple tap in – ten minutes from time following excellent play down the right hand side. And an identical third was netted minutes later to kill the game off.

Robins’ head coach Colin Hopkins spoke after the 3-1 loss: “I couldn’t have asked for a better start. We played with great confidence and surprised New Milton with some excellent football but we needed to score a second which I believe would have meant a different outcome to the result.

“N e w Milton dominated the second half which made us rue our chances in the first half and, with ten minutes to go, I thought we could hold on for a draw but once we conceded a second goal our heads dropped and it was damage limitation for the final few."

Dow n t o n, still yet to get off the mark in the league, go to Cowes Sports in the Sydenhams F o o t b a l l League Cup on Saturday (3pm).