Whitchurch 3 Downton 0.

A second half brace from young Shane Lock and a strike from Luke Walker were enough to ease past struggling Downton on Saturday and give the Jam Boys the ideal preparation for Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final with Petersfield Town.

Despite last Tuesday’s abandonment the Longmeadow pitch was heavy but playable and Whitchurch immediately pressed Downton looking for the early goal.

Walker picked the ball up 20 yards out but his shot was saved by Downton keeper Charlie Aldridge and with Whitchurch pressing it was not long before Walker had another opportunity, again pushed over the cross bar by Aldridge.

Despite Whitchurch’s attacking game Downton stood firm and continued to deny them and were gradually finding space to ask questions of the Whitchurch defence. The second half got underway with the temperature and light fading and Whitchurch went for the win.

Just before the hour boss Jim Macey replaced Isaac Sedu with former Lion Joe Harrisand the change had an immediate effect as Harris found Walker whose shot was parried down into the path off Lock who put Whitchurch 1-0 up.

Dave Asker was brought on to replace the injured Scott Hassell and Lock was asked to play more centrally with Walker out wide and this change also soon paid off with Walker finding the net to give Whitchurch their second goal.

They were then in control and Harris sooon found Lock who beat Aldridge to make it 3-0. Tom Lockyer went on to replace Lock and was immediately involved in the action working well with Walker.

This was a game Whitchurch needed to win as the break through Christmas and the bad weather had taken the edge of their game.

Adam Pearson and Pa Touray were both contenders for man of the match but the hard working Touray just edged it with his efforts and control in midfield.

More from Whitchuch United plus reports on tomorrow's League Cup semi-final with Petersfield Town here and in Friday's Advertiser.