Downton Crabby

The Season So Far:

Both these sides were competing at this level during last season’s forcibly abridged season – today’s visiting side from suburban Southampton were certainly in the title hunt before the campaign was cut short by Covid-19. They were flying high in 3rd place, winning 7 of their 12 played matches, albeit some 13 points behind runaway leaders Laverstock & Ford who were unbeaten at that time. Downton – today’s hosts – were having a tougher time of it down in 13th, but had managed an extra 2 games before the season was called off. Just 3 wins from 14 games, however, and they would’ve been looking over their shoulders at the 6 chasing teams.

Preseason, then, and Downton’s last 2 fixtures saw them beating Hampshire Premier League side Lyndhurst 4-0 away from home, before drawing 2-2 with Hamworthy United Reserves on Tuesday evening. On Tuesday 27th, Folland Sports executed an impressive victory over Fareham Town from the league above. Prior to that they beat Sway FC, of the Hampshire Premier League, 3-0. So, impressive preseason, but who will go home the happier side after today’s league opener?

The Visit:

The Brian Whitehead Sports Ground – otherwise known as The Nest – sits on the edge of the village of Downton, which, in turn sits just to the south of the ancient city of Salisbury. It is found in a slightly strange location with a quiet housing development on one side and a large green sports centre looming over one end. Along one touchline can be found the sole covered, seated stand which is next to a selection of buildings – housing the club house, changing rooms and refreshment kiosk – and a shipping container which will be the new club shop. Opposite are the dugouts which appear to be tall enough to stand up in and have seemingly been treated to a lick of paint recently. Behind one goal is the aforementioned sports centre (and in one corner is a scoreboard), with not a lot behind the other save for space for the local kids to have a kickabout.

The weather forecast had been threatening rain for a while now and indeed the wet stuff was present for the majority of the first 45 minutes. Speaking of which, just 3 minutes had passed when the visitors from the south coast should’ve been ahead. A great cross was met firmly by Clayd Roach but his header flew wide from close range. Folland Sports hearts were in mouths shortly after as Downton’s left back Sam Dible’s cross was cut out by keeper Henry Newman. Newman couldn’t hold onto the ball but would’ve been relieved to see his defender clear the danger. Quarter of an hour had gone when Sports threatened from another cross. The ball was met well again, but was off target once more. The Plane Makers from just outside Southampton were starting to dominate, and it was somewhat predictably a header that would break the deadlock. Folland were awarded a corner which Roach took, aiming for the near post. Captain Matthew Casey was there to meet it and bury the ball emphatically. The away side continued to have the lion’s share of possession and Newman was mostly a spectator. The moment of the match came on 34 minutes as dangerman Roach was played through with a ball over the top. His dipping first time strike looped over keeper Fredericks and nestled in the corner – a goal of real quality from the diminutive midfielder. Newman, in the Sports goal, was finally called into action a couple of minutes later but the save from the Robin’s new striker Marcel Laptas was one that he would’ve been expected to make. Just before halftime Roach supplied yet another quality cross, this time met by Will Gange, but his header was matched by Matthew Fredericks in the home goal.

Downton would need a much better performance in the second half, and indeed it took just 7 minutes for them to get a foothold in the game. A mad scramble from a free kick was eventually forced over the line by Dan Clarke. Not a goal that was pleasing on the eye, but they all count. There was cause for concern for Folland as keeper Newman was treated for a knock picked up in the melee that lead to the goal. He was back on his feet, though, and okay to carry on. Folland’s Ethan Anders found himself well-positioned in the box just after the hour mark. His indecisiveness meant that the ball would only just reach Casey, and the captain’s shot was charged down and gathered by Fredericks. Centre back Matthew Palmer met a header from a free kick on 68 minutes, but Newman saved well. Downton came within a whisker of drawing level a short while later, but a goal-saving tackle from a Sports substitute was just enough to disappoint the home fans. It was, in fact, immaterial as a late offside flag was raised. The Robins were now knocking on the door – 4 minutes remained when Dible’s cross flashed across goal but no Downton attackers were present to receive. With time running out, another cross was sent into the box, this time players were there but none were able to make meaningful contact. Desperate defending was required again from the visitors as a corner was awarded to the home side. A few minutes of injury time allowed by referee Lucas Bomela was not enough to provide Downton a goal to ensure a share of the points, and it was the visitors who would return south with all 3.

Despite the weather, which did clear up for the 2nd half, I had a thoroughly brilliant time in Downton. The facilities were impressive – a smart ground with good facilities, and a pitch that clubs a lot further up the pyramid would be envious of. The locals are friendly and it was no trouble at all when I asked to buy a pin badge, despite the club shop not quite being open for business. A great start to the competitive season, and I hope to visit The Nest again.