DOWNTON kept their Wessex League Division One promotion hopes alive with a 4-3 victory away at a stubborn Romsey side, as they moved up to second.

From the off, Downton showed promise with a high-pressing game that caused the Romsey defence problems. However, Romsey scored on the break from a long ball out the back that caught the Downton defence off guard.

Downton kept pushing for an equaliser and after Romero was brought down just outside the penalty area, Ben Starr stepped up and whipped the free kick just out of the reach of the diving Romsey goalkeeper to level things up.

Both teams had chances, most notably a Romsey penalty which was brilliantly saved by Seb Tyrek who dived down to his right to stop Romsey taking the lead at half-time.

The second half was delayed by 30 minutes due to electrical issues, but when the lights came back on, the game was back in full flow.

Both teams managed to switch back on for what became a thrilling second half.

Downton started the second half brightest of the two teams, and took full advantage when their leading marksman TL Moseley produced the spark to ignite the second half with a half volley inside the box to make it 2-1.

Shorty after, Ben Smith played a delightful ball through to Robbie Owen who breezed past the Romsey defence and slotted home Downton's third.

Romsey were handed a glimmer of hope when they were gifted a penalty. This time, they made no mistake and Romsey closed the gap to 3-2. With both teams attacking, it was clear there were more goals to come.

Downton added a fourth when Dan Savage picked up the ball on the right and passed a wonderful ball to Moseley, who produced a thunderous strike which restored Downton’s two goal cushion.

Romsey responded well and added a third to make it a tense final 10 minutes, but Downton stayed firm and were able to see the game out and take home the three points.

Manager Ben Smith said: "Credit to all our players who worked tirelessly all afternoon. For large periods of the game we dominated possession, myself and Rich are thrilled with the team’s performance.They showed heart and desire in a tough contest."

This Saturday, Downton are at home to Verwood and on Tuesday night travel to a much improved Andover side.