Andy Munns
Salisbury won away at Hayes and Yeading this weekend, regaining second place in the table as the season draws to a close.
It was Salisbury’s final away game of the regular season, and a brace from Noah Coppin brought all three points back to the Ray Mac.
Salisbury started well, and Charlie Gunson came within inches of giving Brian Dutton’s side the ideal start when his freekick crashed off the underside of the crossbar.
Salisbury were playing well and keeping the home side at arm’s reach and deservedly took the lead after 29 minutes.
There was some good build-up play down the left, and Josh Sommerton teed up Noah Coppin with a good low ball into the near post, which Coppin flicked home.
Hayes had a few efforts as they looked to get back into the game. Luke Gambin came the closest when his effort came off the post, and Amos Nasha could only hit the rebound over the bar, preserving Salisbury’s 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Salisbury continue to control the ball well, the well-prepared pitch suiting their game.
Salisbury doubled their lead on 66 minutes when Noah Coppin grabbed his, and Salisbury’s, second of the game. He finished well, placing the ball into the bottom corner.
Another highlight of the second half, which Salisbury saw out fairly comfortably, was the return of Tom Bragg to the pitch after several months out with a serious knee injury.
Salisbury leapfrogged Gosport Borough, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Hendon.
One point separates 2nd to fourth, with AFC Totton having a game in hand. The Stags travel to Plymouth Parkway for that game this evening.
Salisbury’s one remaining regular-season fixture is this Saturday when they host Hanwell Town, who are not yet mathematically safe from relegation.
Kick-off is at 3 pm at Salisbury’s Ray Mac stadium. Tickets are available online – https://salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/
