DANNY Finnigan and Tyler Brockway inflicted derby pain on rivals Downton FC at Bonnymead Park to stay on the coat-tails of leaders Portland United.

Netbuster Finnigan found the net for the 11th time this term in 12 appearances on the half hour mark, nodding home Dan Beckles' cross.

Three minutes into the second half and Finnigan turned assist for Blues' second.

He found Brockway in the midfield who profited from some indecisive defending and blasted home.

The three points puts Amesbury on 23, seven behind Portland but with a game in hand, while Robins, who are now without a win in three matches, slipped to sixth in the Sydenhams Wessex Division One standings.

"It was vitally important we responded to losing the week before at Ringwood," said Gareth Horner, Blues boss.

"Unfortunately, we were stretched in terms of numbers with eight players missing and it was great that we could welcome a few back this weekend."

"In truth, all bar the first ten to 15 minutes of the match, we dominated the game of football and our keeper didn’t have a save to make."

"Its important we keep picking up points. There are a number of teams that will be pushing towards the top end of the table this year and I think it’s the most competitive I have seen Division One for some time."

Robins boss Colin Hopkins said he felt aggrieved by two refereeing decisions.

"Both of the goals we conceded came from free kicks which, in my opinion, were not fouls and I've never complained about the officials because the game cannot be played without them.

"But referees, like players and managers, can perform poorly and the referee was awful."