Nine goal thriller sees Salisbury's season end in defeat

Salisbury lost out in the Wiltshire FA Premier Shield final by a single goal in a nine-goal thriller.

Salisbury took an early lead through Josh Hedges in the 9th minute. Hedges was found in the box by Ronan Silva, his first touch bought him some space and he slotted cooly into the bottom corner from 8 yards out.

The visitors levelled towards the end of the second half. Gabe Reivers did well to control a ball fizzed into him and duly finished into the bottom left hand corner with 32 minutes on the clock.

Supermarine then took the lead as the game headed toward half time when Olly Mehew tucked home from close range in the 39th minute.

The lead didn't last long, however, as Owen Dore's sweetly struck freekick flew into the top right-hand corner from 25 yards just three minutes later. Dan Brabham got his hands to it, but the strike had too much power on it.

Brian Dutton made two changes at half time with the scores level at two a piece. Jaden Perez and Ronan Silva being replaced by Sido Jombati and Callum Watts. Meanwhile, Swindon Supermarine also made a change with Jamie Edge coming on for Sam Turl.

The second half started with two quick goals. First, Supermarine took the lead in the 52nd minute through Dave Sim-Burgess before Salisbury levelled up almost instantly. The ball fell to Callum Watts in the box just a minute later and the Salisbury midfielder struck home.

The goal rush continued six minutes later, when Dave Sims-Burgess ran onto a loose ball just outside the box, his effort was deflected and wrong-footed Rhys Byrne before settling in the bottom corner to make it Salisbury 3 - 4 Supermarine.

Finn Tonks had a great chance to pull Salisbury back level once more, but his shot was well blocked by Brabham in the Supermarine goal in the 67th minute.

Salisbury were level in the 71st minute, however, when Callum Watts swept home his second of the game from a Finn Tonks cross to make it 4-4.

Once again the lead didn't last long - the visitors retook the lead after Ryan Campbell finished well into the top corner just two minutes later.

Salisbury pushed forward as the game ticked into added time, but were unable to find an equaliser, and Swindon Supermarine were Wiltshire Premier Shield winners.

Meanwhile, the club has also confirmed that Owen Dore, 20, has signed a new deal, keeping him at the club for the 2025/26 season. 

Owen Dore was selected by the Salisbury FC Supporters Club vote as the Young Player of the Season and was presented with his award after the Eastbourne Borough game.

Owen Dore said, “After a long, tough season, staying up on the final day was an unbelievable feeling. I’m grateful to have signed a new contract, and I’m ready to give everything for the club and the fans again.

“Once the season is over, it’s time for a well-earned rest — then we go again next season. I can’t wait for what’s ahead!”

Brian Dutton expressed his pleasure at extending Owen’s stay at the Ray Mac, “I’m delighted to extend Owen’s contract, he has really developed this season in what has been a very tough league.

“I’m sure Owen will continue his development over the summer break and prove to be a very important player for us next season.”