Salisbury win to set up playoff game against Gosport

Salisbury ended their regular season fixtures with a home win against Hanwell Town in front of 1235 supporters.

Brian Dutton’s side went into the game needing a win to ensure a home tie in the playoff semi-finals. Goals from Noah Coppin and Josh Hedges did just that.

Hanwell made a bright start to the game, forcing an early corner after Ryan Gosney was forced into a save after a shot from a distance.

However, Salisbury broke downfield from the resulting corner. Charlie Gunson was first to a bouncing ball before hooking it into Noah Coppin‘s path, who slid the ball past Beasant in the Hanwell goal.

The ball rolled slowly towards the goal with defenders chasing hard – it trickled over the line despite the best efforts of one defender, giving Salisbury a lead in the third minute.

Hanwell, not sure of safety from relegation were pressing high and created chances from some sloppy play at the back from Salisbury but the home side were equal to everything thrown at them.

Noah Coppin almost grabbed his second of the game when the Whites once again broke with speed, but a well-timed challenge put pay to that attack.

Salisbury doubled their lead in the 31st minute when, once again, they broke. Josh Sommerton got away down the left-hand side, and his low cross found Josh Hedges, who tapped home to make it 2-0.

Salisbury always looked in control even though Hanwell had much of the ball as the first half ended, and that’s how much of the second half played out, too.

Hanwell had their best chance of the game in the 68th minute. Mathew MacKenzie rose highest as a corner was swung into the box. It looked like Ryan Gosney had been wrong-footed as the ball headed for the back of the net, but Salisbury’s keeper adjusted and made the save of the game, pushing the ball away.

The game petered out as the substitutions came, and at the final whistle, both supporters sang as Hanwell’s supporters discovered they were staying up. Salisbury’s supporters celebrated the win and the successful season so far.

The playoffs now await, and a tricky semi-final against Gosport Borough on Wednesday evening at the Ray Mac.

Tickets and information will be available via the club website; a bumper crowd is expected, so buying tickets in advance is advisable. – https://salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/

After the game, Salisbury FC Supporters hosted the annual presentation awards with the following winners:

Top Goalscorer – Noah Coppin

Young Player of the Season – Josh Hedges

Players Player – Tom Leggett

Player of the Season – Noah Coppin

Special Achievement – Dan Fitchett