Downton play Bemerton Heath Harlequins, at Wick Lane, on Bank Holiday Monday. DA7133P1BEMERTON Heath Harlequins plunged Downton further into relegation trouble by taking the three points from the derby match at Wick Lane on Bank Holiday Monday.
It was Heath's second successive victory after a miserable run of ten league games without a win, while yet another defeat keeps the Robins rooted to the bottom of the table.
The 'Quins dominated the opening half but it was the hosts who had the first opportunity to strike.
Dan Gain fired well wide for the Robins after working a good third minute opening.
Bemerton soon found their rhythm and Matt Baker's effort from 18 yards was pushed behind by 'keeper Glen Craven. From the corner, Neil Cole won the ball, but was clumsily bundled over and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.
Up stepped leading scorer Stuart Findlay to blast home low to the 'keeper's right, giving the visitors a sixth-minute lead.
Heath were playing some great football and could have gone two up on 11 minutes, but Jason Ahmet's header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Craven.
They did not have to wait too long for the second however as Baker found Findlay who headed back for Cole to knock in from close range.
Downton's danger man Matt Guy looked to be struggling with an injury and he was duly replaced after 22 minutes with Luke Hatchman coming on.
The substitute began to run at Bemerton's defence and Jamie Boswell had to be alert to rob him and concede a corner as he went clear.
Jason Ahmet also had to leave the field on 35 minutes suffering a back strain.
Hatchman then latched onto a good ball from Mark Savage but his shot struck the crossbar before being cleared.
Calum Robertson was the first player to go into the referee's book when his late tackle caught Baker in full flight after 39 minutes.
Heath then had a decent penalty shout when Findlay went down under a Craven challenge. But, after consultation with his assistant, the referee awarded a goal kick to the Robins and booked Findlay.
When Paul Gulliver replaced Lee Bartlett at half time, it took Downton's quota of ex-Harlequins players to nine.
Graham Mankin was shown yellow for a late tackle on 50 minutes.
Five minutes later, Baker, having an excellent game at left back, forced another fine save out of Craven. From the corner, Findlay was first to react and nodded home at the near post.
Now trailing 3-0, the Robins had to take the game to Bemerton and at last put their defence under pressure. Hatchman broke through after 68 minutes and made enough space for himself to pull one back.
The home side had their heads up and battled hard, but the Heath defence stood firm.
The 'Quins created several openings in the closing stages, with Mankin, twice, Paul Palmer, and Nick Collier all missing good chances.
On Saturday Bemerton welcome Fareham Town to Western Way while Downton host Moneyfields.
Tuesday sees Heath away to AFC Totton, while the Robins entertain Cowes Sports (both 7.45pm).
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