DOWNTON booked their place in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase after winning 3-1 at Calne Town, writes BEN SMITH.

The visitors kicked off the game and kept the ball nicely for large periods for the opening 15 minutes.

An early chance went wide after good work from Larbi Lawrence and Robbie Owen.

Calne could not find there feet and Downton were passing the ball around at ease.

Downton’s number nine TJ Moseley looked dangerous going close with several early chances created by his partner Owen.

After 20 minutes, Owen was chopped down again just outside the box, which looked like a an early red to most.

Dan Telfer stepped up with the left foot and hit the ball around the wall which gave the the Robins the lead.

Downton could of easily added a couple more to the tally almost straight away, but some sloppy defending let Calne back into the game.

A misjudged headed clearance saw the ball land in front of the home skipper Stuart Windsor who had plenty of time to pick his spot before levelling the score.

Downton continued to dominate the final minutes of the half.

Sam Howe and Dan Telfer's overlapping runs and link up play certainly gave the home side something to think about during the break.

Downton again were in the mood from the off.

Craig Rendall and Craig Tyson had the midfield sewn up with very little making its way through.

Ben Smith and Liam Dance soaked up any aerial threats whilst up top the Robins continued to pile the pressure on.

On the hour mark, Moseley’s pace found him some space and turned the two centre back’s inside out followed by an unstoppable strike to put the Robins in a well deserved lead.

Downton did not sit back on the lead and continued to work the home defence, this time it was Lawrence who found himself close on several occasions.

Downton were really turning on the style, overlapping runs from both sides from Dan Savage and Sam Howe tore the home defence apart leaving them with no options but to foul.

Sure enough it came with some excellent work from Owen inside the box.

His quick movement saw defenders flying in from all angles and the last defender could only bring him down before he unleashed his shot.

Moseley stood up and coolly struck home from the penalty spot to increase the lead.

Calne Town rung the changes and maybe should have done earlier. The lively Ben Starr changed the game for them and caused Downton some problems.

Downton stopper Ernie Osei was called into action for the remaining 10 minutes but made light work of any oncoming attacks.

The Robins stood strong for the remaining minutes and fully deserved to make their way into the next round on September 14, when they are at home to Wincanton Town.

Manager Ben Smith said: "We came here knowing they’ve hit the ground running and at times you could see why they were top of their league, but we outplayed them and in some areas we tired them early.

"The lads believe in themselves at the moment and it really shows. Myself and Rich are so pleased for all the players, their attitudes are right and they are trusting each other with the ball which makes the world of difference out on the pitch."

Downton are in action on Tuesday night (September 3) are away at Andover New Street and on Saturday face Totton and Eling both in the league