DOWNTON continued their strong start to the season against a solid Andover New Street side, in a close fought 1-0 win.

Both sides had plenty of chances in the first half and Sam Howe impressed throughout, including a storming break down the wing, his pass to Shaun Prentice just evading the lively Downton striker.

Charlie Aldridge, back between the sticks for the Robins, ensured that the scores were even coming into the break with a customary faultless performance, while the midfield, marshalled again magnificently by Matt Cox, rose to the challenge of the well organised hosts.

?Prentice caused much of the trouble for Andover in the second half, with a number of jinking runs, and was unlucky not to get on the end of a handful of half chances.

But it was left to the co-manager, Ben Smith, to settle the game from the penalty spot, five minutes before the end. A clear penalty despite the opposition groans, Smith kept his cool to put the ball beyond the despairing home keeper to give the Robins two wins from two.

The camaraderie on and off the pitch was clear to see, carrying over from the first game ten days earlier, and the Robins go to Totton & Eling this coming weekend, full of confidence for what will surely be another tough fixture.