IT was highly appropriate that Downton goalkeeper Charles Aldridge should keep a clean sheet in his side’s 1-0 home victory over Ringwood Town in Sydenhams One on Saturday.

Amazingly it was the stopper’s 200th consecutive league appearance for the Robins – an unbroken run that started back in August 2011.

Acknowledging such a special achievement, a Sydenhams League statement said: “This is a remarkable example of fitness, dedication and, above all, loyalty. No praise can be too high.”

To top off a great day for Downton, Shaun Prentice’s goal bagged them the three league points.

Hamble Club still top the Division One standings, but had to come from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to US Portsmouth.

Nathan Lynch and Wayne Boud scored for the Monks, who tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) host Southern League outfit AFC Totton in the Russell Cotes Cup (RCC).

Second-placed Laverstock & Ford also slipped into arrears as Kieran Hancock’s 18th-minute goal put Romsey Town in front at The Dell. But Russell Jones quickly equalised and a tight game was decided two minutes from time when Graham Mankin sealed a 2-1 Lavvy victory.

It was a sixth straight win for Laverstock in league and cup, but co-managers Liam McConnell and Rob Lakeman admitted the Bypass boys had pushed them all the way.

"Credit to Romsey, they are a tough side who will challenge anyone in this league," they said. "We really had to believe and dig deep today."

Lavvy are poised just a point behind long-time leaders Hamble with a game in hand.

Romsey are also in RCC action tomorrow evening, away to Folland Sports, who lost 4-2 at home to Christchurch on Saturday. Gary Horlock, Luke Stone, Dave Wrixton and Marcus Cullen scored for Priory with Folland's Carel Kayembe and Harry Osman replying.