DOWNTON remain stuck to the bottom of the Wessex League after a late collapse at Andover on Saturday, writes Ryan Lovejoy.

Brian White's goal ensured the Robins were level at the break, but the tide was turned when right back Mark Gulliver broke an ankle on the hour.

Boss Mitch Blake said: "We were playing well before the injury and Mark Savage had a great opportunity which he was unable to convert. Mark going off took a little bit of the stuffing out of us and we had to re-arrange the team. Unfortunately it didn't work.

"Sam Rae became very influential on the left flank because our plan to have Nick Lumber and Mark on him was scuppered, and their crowd was a lot more partisan than it was at 1-1. When we brought it back to 4-2 with Matt Guy's goal, Andover were under the cosh, but it wasn't to be."

Blake added: "I think Mark will be out for two to three months which is a shame because he has done well since joining from Bemerton recently. We will have to look at finding a replacement."

Rae bagged a hat-trick with Justin Bennett weighing in with a brace.

Paul Hughes and Steve McNulty got the others.

Downton will hope to complete a rare double when Christchurch visit Wick Lane on Saturday, having beaten them 2-0 in September.

Then they host rivals Bemerton Heath Harle-quins in the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Tuesday, hoping to avenge a 2-0 reverse in the Wessex League Cup last month.

Robins' reserves were at home twice in the last week, beating Eastleigh reserves 2-1 on Wednesday with goals from Neal Archer and Calvin Cran-mer (penalty).

They were 2-0 up against Bournemouth Poppies on Saturday through Ian Stevens and Paul Shelley (penalty) but eventually went down 3-2. They visit AFC Totton on Saturday.