AFTER a tough run of games in recent weeks, Downton picked up a point in Sydenhams Wessex Division One following a 2-2 draw with United Services Portsmouth.

The match started well for the home side, with Shaun Prentice causing the visitors’ defence all sorts of problems.

And it wasn’t long until the Robins opened the scoring when a Tom Aldridge cross was sloppily dealt with by the opposing keeper, who parried the ball into the back of his own net. The tempo of the match changed after the goal, with end-to-end play.

But other than that brief period, Portsmouth were subdued and went into the break only a solitary goal behind.

The second half continued in the same vein, with chances at both ends. Both keepers pulled off some good saves.

The Robins had a good chance to go 2-0 up in the 50th minute when N’jie found acres of space in the box, but he was unable to make the crucial contact with the ball, denying the home side the luxury of some breathing space.

This missed opportunity would come back to haunt Downton, as a rare defensive mix up soon allowed Portsmouth a simple tap in. Downton reacted well to their error, and dominated the majority of possession after. They created numerous chances with Declan McGregor missing from close range.

With 15 minutes to play, Dan Telfer crossed and Ross Bentall rose highest to powerfully head the ball past the keeper and give Downton a deserved lead.

Once again, the Robins were unable to build on their advantage and, with 20 seconds less on the clock, disaster struck. The defence once allowed space for a Portsmouth player to roam unmarked into the box, who then had the simplest of tap-ins after his first effort was saved by Aldridge in the Downton goal.

Robins boss Rae Hughes said: “Unfortunately mistakes cost us, I can’t knock the work rate or the attitudes but a couple of individual lapses have cost us.

“On reflection, a draw was probably a fair result, but when you are a goal up with 30 seconds to go and then concede it is hard to take.

“Portsmouth are a good side and will be right up there.”