DOWNTON had to settle for a point from their trip to Ringwood Town, after they played out a goal less draw.

The visitors had most of the play for large periods of the first half with several chances early on.

Sam Owen went close early on but dragged his shot wide. A mazy run from Romero saw him beat four players before unleashing a rasping shot directly at the goalkeeper.

Some fine work by Harry Crisp and Owen on the wing forced a foul. Jamie Waters whipped in the free-kick and the oncoming Ben Smith ran in from deep to thump his header past the Ringwood stopper, but for some bizarre reason the linesman ruled him offside.

This did not sit well and things had to be calmed down. Downton forced a corner and Dan Savage met the ball perfectly but again the linesman ruled this offside. Downton went in to the break disappointed to not be two up .

The second half was all Downton with Romero and Owen causing problems on both sides.

TJ Moseley found himself through with only the goalkeeper to beat, but stuck his shot wide of the upright.

Ringwood had most of their side camped in their own half for large periods making it hard for Downton to break through.

Frustration was building and it took its toll on 75 minutes in when Abdul Razek and his marker squared up resulting in a red for each.

Things started to open up for Downton but they could not capitalise.

The clock was ticking down and it just was not happening for Downton and in the end had to accept point

Ben Smith said: “It was such a frustrating day, with two clinical decisions spoiling the game was hard one to swallow.

“We had chances to secure the game but it just wasn’t our day.

He added: “Ringwood set up well with plenty of men behind the ball to stop up playing so credit to them.

“We will go away and take the positives with a solid clean sheet plenty of chances created.”

On Tuesday Downton are in action away at Christchurch in the Bournemouth Senior Cup.

This Saturday, Downton are away to league leaders United Services Portsmouth and then on Wednesday they are in Wiltshire Senior Cup action away at Corsham Town.