DOWNTON moved up to third in the Wessex League Division One table after winning 3-1 at Verwood.

From the off the Robins set the pace of the game, some excellent work from TJ Moseley and Abdul Razek saw the woodwork save Verwood early blushes & credit to Downton who continued this for large parts of the game.

Downton dominated most of the first half and reaped there rewards after 20 minutes.

Skipper Craig Tyson drove into the box and linked up nicely with Razek who squared the ball nicely for Moseley who’s cool first time finish was unstoppable.

The Downton stopper Ernest Osei was soon called into action when ex Robin Tyler Rutten scuffed a cross which nearly found the net but from here on in it was one way traffic.

Lawrence Larbi and Harry Crisp found plenty of time to drive into the box causing no end of pressure for the home side.

Jamie Waters and Tyson covered every blade of grass with a fine display between the two and comfortably saw the game into half time 1-0 up

A bright start for Downton saw much of the same with Razek going close on several occasions.

An hour into the game and Downton switched off for a split second. The ball was given away and a perfect pass into Lee Vint's feet saw their leading marksman level the scores.

Totally against the run of play Verwood found themselves back in the game. Downton were in no mood to settle for a point and continued in much the same manner.

This time is was Razek who opened his account. Some excellent play by Larbi saw a perfectly guided pass into Razek's feet and still with plenty to do he finished a move off that most sides would be proud of.

From the restart Downton gave the ball away and a long punt down field from Verwood saw Osei comfortably collect from his box and as a result collided with an oncoming player only for the referee to award a dubious penalty.

The home skipper blazed the spot kick into the trees and most would say that was only what the decision deserved. Downton stepped up the gas and were in control again and it was only a matter of time before another goal was coming.

The introduction of lively Marcus Savage and Romero added more headaches to the home side.

With 15 minutes to go and it was Romero who stole the show as he skipped by three defenders and was brought down at the expense of a penalty.

Moseley stepped up and gave the goalkeeper no chance with a thumping strike.

With the Robins oozing with confidence Verwood did not see much of the ball for the dying stages of the game.

This Saturday, downton are at home to Newport from the Isle of Wight and on Tuesday night entertain Folland Sports.