DOWNTON – CLUB HISTORY

In September 1905 a general meeting was arranged by the Rev. J.H. Phillips which resulted in the formation of Downton F.C. Early results were not very encouraging and it was not until after the First World War in 1919 that the Robins wntered the Salisbury & District League Division 2 gaining promotion to Division 1 in 1920 but returning to Division 2 in 1924.

In the 1924/25 season, Downton became the first winners of the Norman Court Cup beating Alderbury in the final and winning the competition again in 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1939 & three further occasions after the war. In 1949/50 the club won the Wiltshire Junior Cup for the first time beating Atworth 6-2 in the final.

The following season the club entered the Bournemouth League and gained promotion to Division 1 winning the championship five times. In 1958/59 the club won promotion to Senior Division 1 winning the title 7 times between 1959/60 and 1967/68. Following this achievement the club was awarded a special plaque by the Bournemouth F.A.

To progress, the Robins joined the Hampshire League in 1968/69 winning promotions in 1971/72, 1978/79 and 1979/80.

In 1992/93 Downton were elected to The Wessex League with the reserves joining the Combination Division. The highest League finish was 8th in 1996/97 but in the previous season the club won both the Wessex League Cup and the Russell Cotes Cup with the reserves finishing runners up in the Combination Cup. The Robins entered the F.A. Vase for the first time in 1995/96 and the F.A. Cup in 1997/98.

In County competitions Downton won the Wiltshire Senior Cup in 1979/80 and 1980/81 and were runners up in 1955/56, 1991/92 and 1994/95.

The club also won the Bournemouth Senior Cup in 1962/63 and 1979/80 and the Senior League Cup in 1961/62, 1963/64 and 1966/67.