Andy Munns
Salisbury FC kickstarted their away campaign in style, clinching a memorable triumph as Captain Sido Jombati’s brace secured a resounding win against AFC Totton.
Dutton’s side saw three new faces to the starting XI.
Tom Leggett, Jamar Smith, and Josh Hedges seamlessly replaced Tom Bragg, Aaron Simpson, and Ryan Penny, injecting fresh dynamism into the team’s composition.
The initial ten minutes of the match were marked by a cautious exchange, with neither side managing to assert dominance.
The midfield emerged as the battleground, witnessing the majority of the action. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute, with Salisbury’s Theo Lewis seizing sight of the goal. A well-placed cross from Hedge found Lewis in a prime position, but his header narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
AFC Totton responded just before the 20-minute mark, as skipper Charlie Kennedy’s deft touch at the back post from a teasing free kick presented an opportunity. However, the lack of a finishing touch denied Totton their opening goal.
Salisbury, meanwhile, gradually established a stronghold in the midfield, culminating in an offensive surge.
Charlie Gunson’s strike on the 23rd minute was met with misfortune, blocked before it could trouble the keeper. Salisbury’s goalkeeper, Josh Gould, was soon called into action as Totton pressed.
The tide turned just before the half-hour mark, as the Whites orchestrated breakthrough.
Dan Fitchett’s precision pass set Charlie Gunson in motion, only to be thwarted by Kennedy’s foul within the penalty area. The referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot, allowing Captain Jombati to exude composure as he calmly outwitted Lewis Noice, placing Salisbury in the lead.
Buoyed by their advantage, Salisbury embarked on a pursuit of further goals.
Josh Hedges emerged as a potent threat on the right flank, keeping Totton’s defence on high alert. Hedges managed to pierce through in the 40th minute, delivering a tantalizing cross for Fitchett to convert. Unfortunately, the celebrations were short-lived as the linesman’s flag intervened, denying Fitchett’s first goal of the season.
However, Salisbury’s determination bore fruit merely a minute later. Theo Lewis’ agility earned his side another penalty opportunity, which Captain Jombati expertly dispatched, propelling Salisbury to a comfortable two-goal lead.
The second half saw Salisbury maintain their offensive intent, with Hedges narrowly missing the mark with a low shot. In the 57th minute, Fitchett’s spirited effort high up the pitch enabled Aaron McCready to launch a left-footed curler, narrowly grazing the target.
As the half progressed, Totton sought to assert themselves, finding openings through Jake Scrimshaw’s incisive play. Gould showcased his goalkeeping prowess, denying Totton’s advances.
Salisbury’s showed tenacity as they thwarted every challenge, with Gould making successive saves to maintain the lead.
The final whistle sounded, signalling Salisbury’s well-earned victory. Despite a fervent push by Totton during injury time, Salisbury’s defence held firm, securing three valuable points.
Salisbury’s season continues on home turf, with the Ray Mac set to witness a derby clash on Tuesday, August 15th.
Local rivals Swindon Supermarine brace themselves for a showdown, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm. Follow the game live on Salisbury Radio if you can’t be there.
Feature Image: Andrew Palk
