THE Boatmen of VTFC scuppered the hopes of a first-game victory for new Downton manager Jeff Softley as they continued their cracking start to life in the SWL with a 2-1 away success.

Steve Wheatland gave VT the lead after 52 minutes, heading home from Kevin Gibbens's cross and Robbie Clark grabbed their second a couple of minutes later with an effort that found the net via the upright. Dan Smith pulled a goal back for the home side on 75 minutes.

"We played OK but didn't pass the ball very well at times, however we did show a lot of character and the lads proved that they also have heart," said Softley.

VT boss Dave Diaper added: "It was an excellent win for us considering we've still not been able to field the same side twice. I'm pleased because this game was always going to be difficult and we're now only 20 points away from survival!"

With the other clubs around them in FA Cup action, Andover leapt into second place in the table with a 3-1 home win against Moneyfields.

But the Lions had to do it with ten men after midfielder Bobby Swayne was sent off in the 35th minute after collecting two yellow cards.

Phil Andrews gave Andover the lead on 46 minutes with a brilliant 'David Beckham' style strike. He spotted the Moneyfields' keeper of his line and coolly chipped him from the halfway line.

Callum Earl's deflected free kick made it 2-0 on the hour mark and, although Jamie Neill pulled a goal back for the visitors, Danny Sullivan wrapped up the points with a third goal.

Goals from Adam Campion and Mark Reece lift unbeaten Thatcham Town into third spot following their 2-1 victory at Christchurch, who replied through Richard Bentley.

Hamble ASSC picked up a useful point in a 1-1 draw with Hamworthy. Steve Whitcher gave Hamble a 15th-minute lead only for Karim Banssaouda to level ten minutes before half time.

"I thought that we deserved our point and hopefully things are starting to look up for us," reflected Hamble manager Larry Clay.

Poor Portland United stay firmly nailed to the foot of the table without a point to their name following their 6-1 home thrashing by Fareham.

Floyd Hamodu opened the scoring after 19 minutes and two well-taken goals by Paul Morby put Fareham in the driving seat before the break. James Lacey added a fourth and substitute Danny Wright also bagged a brace before the Dorset side netted a last-minute consolation through Dave Whalley.

"I'm very pleased as we played some good football today. It should now lift the players' confidence for our game against Newbury tomorrow evening," said Fareham boss Louis Savage.

Goal-grabbing Gareth Barnes helped himself to another hat-trick as Wimborne Town pipped Cowes Sports 3-2 at The Cuthbury.

Stuart Cooper provided the cross for Barnes to head in after 20 minutes and he grabbed a second 15 minutes later when Nicky Plank's centre caused confusion in the Cowes' ranks and Barnes was on the spot to fire in.

Simon Butler pulled a goal back for the Islanders before half-time but Barnes completed his treble on the hour following more good work by Cooper with Sam Hart netting Cowes' second goal late on.

"It's nice to win especially after our midweek defeat and Barnesy could have had six goals today," smiled Magpies' manager Paul Arnold.