DOWNTON came out of the blocks in fine form with some fresh faces adding strength in some crucial areas as they beat visiting Hythe and Dibden 2-1 in the Wessex League Division One

It was Downton who were pressing early with Nathan Connelly and Tyler Rutten threatening to break the deadlock. Paul Gulliver and Ash Thomas gave the visitors no time to play and on the break Gulliver's through ball found Daniel Telfer unmarked on the edge of the box and sat up perfectly for him to crash home a left foot strike giving the goalkeeper no chance.

On the restart, the visitors started brightly and debutant keeper Lewis Gunstone Gray was called into action with a super diving save to hold onto the lead.

After the break, Hythe got back into the game and looked the brighter of the two sides. The Downton defence soaked up heavy pressure but again Gray was at hand to defuse the oncoming threat.

Hythe got their reward on 70 minutes as a corner came in an was not dealt with and fell to the feet of the former Robin Dan Crouch to fire into the top corner .

Downton bounced back into action with Thomas dominating the midfield. Rutten lead the line up front with some excellent centre forward play and forced a free kick on the corner of the box.

Telfer whipped in a great free kick for Smith to meet at full stretch only to head onto the outside of the post.

The introduction of debutant Louis Rendall firmed up the Downton midfield as they continued to look for the winner.

On 80 minutes, Downton finally got what they deserved. Gray's long free-kick into the Hythe box was coolly headed down by Smith for Shaun Prentice to thump home on the volley.

Downton saw the game out with a lot more to give and could of added to there tally in the final minutes.

Manager Ben Smith said: "Today was an exceptional performance all round. It was my priority to make sure we put this right from the reverse fixture at there ground and we did it well.

"There was two very big performances from Ash Thomas and Tyler Rutten was the highlight for me and a fantastic debut from our new keeper Lewis.

"To improve on our position is our priority and I’m looking forward to introducing a few more youngsters."

Downton, 11th in the table, are at home to promotion chasing Christchurch on Saturday.