Downton 2

Fareham Town 2

Downton team: Ford, Lumber, Pelling, Archer, Trim, Smith, Cranmer (White), Savage, James (Trollope), M. Guy, J. Guy

DOWNTON emerged from their campaign opener with a hugely creditable point against Fareham Town at Wick Lane, writes Ryan Lovejoy.

A sweeping move involving Kevin Pelling, Neal Archer and Calvin Cranmer ended in Nicky Lumber firing home on 15 minutes.

The Robins had strong appeals for a penalty turned down on 33 minutes when James was pushed in the back by Green, and soon after Fareham were level through Richie Way's header from Mitchell's cross. Five minutes later Mitchell's shot was parried by new goalkeeper Neil Ford only for Bottomley to tap in the rebound.

Within seconds of the re-start, Downton equalised when Cranmer sent Matt Guy away down the right.

His cross eluded James but Archer was on hand to blast home from six yards.

On 85 minutes Matt Guy was put in on goal by Archer but goalkeeper Webber and a defender prevented him from sealing three points.

Robins boss Mitch Blake told Journal Sport: "We did exceedingly well. We kept our shape and matched them all over the pitch.

"Fareham were fourth last year and they will be one of the top sides again. They arrived two hours before kick off in a 54-seater coach so they were coming for three points, but Downton aren't a pushover anymore."

On Saturday Downton travel to runaway Hampshire League champions Winchester City, and they take on AFC Newbury at Wick Lane on Bank Holiday Monday.

Blake commented: "Winchester did well against Salisbury (won 2-0) and I think they will be formidable opposition.

"Newbury is another big town and it shows that there is nowhere to hide in this league."

The reserves lost 3-0 away to Winchester City reserves, and they face Hamble ASSC at home on Saturday.