AN early strike from Brett Denham condemned Downton to a solitary goal defeat.

The marksman, who is the eighth top marksman in Sydenhams Wessex Division One with 17 goals, struck on seven minutes.

Charlie Aldridge made a rare fumble from a soft free kick which fell kindly to Denham, who was on hand to finish.

Downton started to grow into the game and were the more threatening side with Shaun Prentice causing havoc in Tadley's area.

They continued to press in the second half and Prentice's stinging left-footed effort was saved by the Tadley keeper.

Then, Ross Bentall unleashed an effort which shaved the woodwork and that was as close as the Robins came to rescuing a point.

Boss Colin Hopkins said: "We were excellent against a very good side and believe we deserved at least a point."

"Unfortunately, the error for Tadley's goal set us back but we still had 83 minutes to get something out of the game and we did everything right but score."

Downton are away for the third consecutive time on Saturday, making the short trip to Totton and Eling (3pm).