The Development team narrowly lost 1-0 in the Bankes Cup Final on Saturday May 11th against a strong Hamworthy United side. It capped off an impressive season – second in the league, quarter-finalists in the Wyvern cup and, overall, a massive step up from last season.
Downton Dev 5-2 Bemerton Heath
Friday 5th October Wyvern Combination league, West Division
Downton hosted Bemerton Friday in a rare Friday night game. With both sides in form and a very healthy crowd for a Wyvern game the stage was set for a decent game.
The Robins started very brightly with a high tempo and intelligent start. Las Richardson put through twice and unlucky not to score on either occasion. Chances fell mainly to Downton with the Robins controlling the game and playing from the back. Mike Joy and Aaron Parker in particular causing problems down the flanks. The goal eventually came on the 25 mark when Richardson finished with ease.
Five minutes later, after a few dangerous Bemerton corners, the ball was eventually bundled over the line, making the game all square.
This goal unsettled Downton for the rest of the first half as they rued the missed chances that would have put the game to bed.
A slight tactical change in formation and pep talk from the Manager seemed to work and the Robins soon found their rhythm again. Las quickly adding a second, Mike Joy then scoring a header shortly after.
Fresh legs were introduced in the form of Richie Galeg and Dan Parker. Galeg scored almost with the first touch in between a rare Bemerton chance. Galeg then ended the tie with a superb 40 yard strike which flew in past the keeper who had come out to claim the ball . MOTM Joe Bailey.
RIngwood Town Res 0-3 Downton Dev
Saturday 29th September Wyvern Combination League, West Division
Downton Development looked to bounce back from a disappointing defeat last time out with a difficult trip to Ringwood Town on Saturday.
The Robins started brightly and half way through the first half Mikey Joy beat his full back on the right and whipped in a dangerous ball, which was tucked in by Mitch Coleman, 1-0.
Ringwood rallied and had a sustained period of dominance before half time, with centre backs Tristan Dawson & Joe Bailey as well as veteran keeper Steve Jones keeping their attacks at bay.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first half; with the Robins being on the front foot pressing Ringwood high up the pitch. Despite this, all Downton had to show for their good work was a shot from Lyndon Taylor that went 7 miles wide of the target.
The second goal when it came was a thing of beauty; Rossi Bentall picked up the ball in a pocket of space and hit a dipping shot into the right hand side of the net after terrific build up play in the middle of the park from Taylor and Marcus Savage.
This killed the game as a contest and with 5 minutes to go Lee Johnson got his first senior goal for the Robins with a crisp near post finish.
The victory leaves the Development Side joint top of the Wyvern League West Division and sets up a tasty local derby against Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Friday night at the nest (5th October). Kick off is at 7:45 and any support would be hugely appreciated!
