DOWNTON finally got back to winning ways with the return of Ben Smith as manager, following the departure of co-manager Nigel Green, in a game that showed just how solid they can be when they have a full squad to select from.

The first half saw both sides have several early chances but the Robins certainly looked the stronger of the two.

Shaun Prentice and new signing Charlie Cooper got down to business from the off. Portsmouth couldn’t live with the pace and trickery of Prentice but the keeper was in fine form and made several excellent saves to keep the Robins at bay.

The second half was also much the same, a rare Portsmouth attack saw the Downton Keeper stretchered off with a horror tackle on the edge of the box leaving Dan Telfer in goal for the final 30 minutes.

But in the 65th minute the Robins took the lead after great work by Prentice who pulled the ball back from the touchline, for Sam Howe to knock home.

The introduction of Paul Gulliver then changed the dynamics of the game. Some excellent work from Howe who had plenty of time to pick his pass to the far post for Gulliver to meet on the volley and thump home what has to be goal of the season. Downton saw the game out with ease and a well deserved three points.

Ben Smith spoke after the game and said: "We went out organised and everyone knew there jobs.

"Every player worked hard across the pitch and we pressed them until we got the ball and that’s what were good at.

"We looked strong up front with Shaun and new signing Charlie Cooper from Follands Sports causing them mayhem and I don’t think many sides would like to be marking these two at the moment with the form there in.

"We just need to keep doing what we are doing and the rest will come."