DOWNTON fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point against Hamworthy United on Saturday.

After the disappointment of defeats to fellow strugglers Hamble ASSC and Alton Town, the Robins found themselves a goal down at half time.

"We missed some good chances in the first half," said manager Jeff Softley.

"Liam Hanlon had two opportunities, Luke Hatch-man had a chance, and Ben Smith missed a free header."

Hamworthy went two up soon after the break with a tremendous free kick from just outside the box.

Downton got back into the game when substitute Jon Wilkinson found Kev Thick who fired into the top left corner.

Hamworthy's goalkeeper was then sent off for scything down Luke Hatchman for a penalty.

The referee did not intend to dismiss him for the foul, but gave him his marching orders for swearing in the aftermath.

Thick coolly converted the spot kick and the Robins then pressed for a winner which they could not find.

Softley said: "We were all over them, and in the last minute Dan Gain had a free header which he put wide."

He added: "They hammered us at their ground (5-1) so to get something from 2-0 down was very pleasing. Our heads could have gone down but we kept on playing football and got a reward.

"We had a lot of players injured and suspended, but people like Jack Newman came in and did a superb job.

"I gave him man of the match."

Downton will hope to distance themselves from relegation trouble when they entertain second bottom Ringwood Town on Saturday, and visit old rivals Bemerton Heath Harlequins at Western Way on Tuesday (7.45pm).

They have already won there once this season, 3-1 in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

"These will be some of our most difficult games," added Softley.

"Bob Lane is working hard at Ringwood and things aren't going for them, but they are not a bad side and they will be up for it.

"It goes without saying that Bemerton will be, because Steve Slade will not want to lose to Downton.

"If we play like we know we can, we should get the points we need to be safe."

Robins' reserves won 1-0 at home to Laverstock & Ford last Tuesday, but lost 4-0 at Poole Town on Saturday.

They head to Hamble ASSC this weekend.