DOWNTON went to the top of the Wessex League Division One on Saturday night after they beat visiting Newport from the Isle of Wight 4-0.

The home side faced a full strength in form Newport side and the result could have been a lot worse for the islanders.

The early stages of the game seemed an even affair with both sides having chances.

Five minutes into the game, Ernest Osei made an excellent one-on-one save and 15 minutes later, Downton took the lead as Charlie Burden opened his account for the Robins.

Jamie Waters delivered a teasing corner which Newport failed to clear and Burden struck with a sweetly met volley into the roof of the net.

This seemed to kick-start the home side into action. Downton held onto the ball for large parts of the closing stages of the first half with an excellent display from the midfield duo who again dominated proceedings.

The second half was a fine display of football from young Downton side.

Some excellent work from debutant Charlie Rayfield and Laurance Larbi caused Newport all sorts of trouble.

Their work paid off when Larbi found the feet of Downton hitman TJ Moseley whose cool strike doubled the lead.

Downton were now in control with Newport merely chasing shadows.

Romero's trickery was simply sublime and went close on several occasions and should have had a penalty late in the game.

Downton were not sitting back with Moseley and Abdul Razek terrorising the Newport defence.

This time it was Sam Howes turn to lighten up the stage with a driving run from his own six-yard box and his shot rebounded to Moseley.

He still had work to do he out foxed his marker and fired home to double his tally.

The introduction of the returning Robbie Owen was not what Newport needed, his pace and strength was to much for the tiring visitors and it was not long before he was on the score sheet.

Again some excellent work from Tyson and Waters freed up Moseley whose snap shot rebounded into the path of Robbie Owen who made no mistake to make it 4-0.

Downton saw out the game comfortably and were welcomed in to a standing ovation from the faithful Robins fans.

Manager Ben Smith said: "The first 45 minutes was a bit of a struggle to get going, but when we did I don’t think I've seen a performance so good.

"Every player had a huge part to play today and they did it well. Keeping a clean sheet was a huge bonus as it was our first this season. We have a few very tough games ahead so hopefully todays performance has installed the belief that’s required to keep winning."

Downton are in action this evening against Folland Sports and on Saturday travel to Hythe and Dibden