CAUTION was the key word for Lymington & New Milton last night as they moved to within six points of Wessex leaders Winchester City with a workmanlike 2-0 win at Downton.

Crucially, the New Forest club have three games in hand over the defending champions - yet still manager Ian Robinson refuses to talk titles.

Although Winchester's 2-2 draw at AFC Totton supplied further evidence that the champions may be losing their grip on the crown, Robinson chose instead to highlight the danger posed by dark horses Thatcham.

The second-placed Berkshire club are only four points clear of the Linnets, having played five more games, and were so convinced they wouldn't win the title that they haven't applied for promotion.

But Robinson pointed out: "They've got points in the bag, they're on a great run and their forwards are on fire.

"We, on the other hand, have got a lot of games left and we're heading towards the dreaded Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday scenario without a very big squad."

Unlike wobbling Winchester, who suffered a shock 4-3 defeat at Downton on Saturday, the Linnets were never in any danger as Trefor Smith and a Ben Thomson penalty saw them safely through at Wick Lane.

"It was an efficient performance," Robinson reflected. "We weren't outstanding but we kept the ball well."

For Downton chairman Jim Blake's money, Lymington are champions in the making.

He said: "They're the best side in the league. I rate them higher than Winchester because they've got a bit of pace about them.

"After Saturday's result, tonight was a bit of an anti-climax. Lymington looked comfortable and we didn't really trouble their keeper.

"We had a few players missing, though. Robbie Trim was out and Dan Newman, who scored the two penalties against Winchester, had a virus.

"We also lost our captain Ben Smith halfway through the second half."