Salisbury continue great start to their season

Salisbury have continued their great start to the season, continuing their unbeaten run at home.

An own goal and a late goal from Josh Hedges sealed all three points for Brian Dutton’s side against top-of-the-table Gosport Borough in front of 803 at the Ray Mac.

It was the second meeting in 8 days between the two sides, following the FA Trophy game, which Gosport won on penalties the previous week.

It was the visitors who were fastest out of the blocks in the first half; Josh Gould was called into action as he raced off his line to stop the advancing Jonathan Efedje, smothering the ball at his feet inside the first five minutes.

Salisbury grew into the game as the half went on, and with neither side able to break the deadlock, it was goalless at halftime.

Again, it was Gosport who started the stronger at the beginning of the second period but didn’t create anything to really worry Gould.

After weathering the storm, Salisbury started to take more control of the game and created their best chance of the game so far just after the hour mark.

Dan Fitchett set Sam Ashton free in the box, but his strong strike deflected into the side netting.

With the game still for the taking, a moment of misfortune gave Salisbury the lead after 66 minutes. Devon Arnold arrowed a cross along the edge of the 6-yard box, and Zak Sharp diverted the ball into the back of his own net.

Gosport kept pushing and had the chance to level on 87 minutes when Tom Legget brought down Rafa Ramos, and the referee awarded Gosport a penalty. Tarbuck blazed the resulting penalty over the bar.

To rub salt into the wound, Salisbury sealed their win with a late second. Fitchett and Arnold combined well down the right-hand side and played the ball inside. It found its way to Josh Hedges via Josh Squires. Hedges applied the finish, and the revenge for the cup defeat a week earlier was complete.

The win sees Salisbury move within two points of Gosport at the top of the table, with the Whites now sat in third.

Up next for Salisbury is a trip to Didcot Town on Saturday 21st October.

Feature Image: Andrew Palk