After a mini revival, Salisbury failed to make it three league wins in a row at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Staff picture by TOM GREGORY. DA7290P3IF ever there were an occasion when the phrase 'the good, bad and the ugly' could be used to describe Salisbury City's performances, this would be it, writes Chris Eacott.
A wonderful victory over Yeading was followed by a cup defeat against Chippenham and a crashing 2-0 loss against Chelmsford, brought their mini-revival to an abrupt halt.
Both goals followed defensive errors - Whites' old problem.
One positive note in the match was the inclusion of Wayne Turk.
Three weeks ago the ebullient midfielder feared he would miss six weeks with a suspected broken foot. But the powers of healing or eagerness to get back into a winning team earned him a recall.
Throughout the first half Whites dominated territorially but their final delivery and touch repeatedly let them down in decent positions.
Chelmsford's first serious attempt came when Garry Cross took advantage of a miscued clearance from Shaun Hale, but he shot tamely wide.
However, the striker was the lucky recipient of a rare Sawyer blunder in the 15th minute. The luckless 'keeper positioned himself to gather a harmless strike but misjudged the bounce and Cross stabbed the ball home.
Tubbs, City's most threatening forward, volleyed just wide and Steve Strong shot over.
On the stroke of half time Whites should have equalised. Adam Wallace found Strong who headed across goal and Tubbs rattled the bar from six yards.
The visitors were the more purposeful side in the second half while City's play faltered. When the hosts did string some passes together they wasted opportunities, Tubbs heading over from an Aaron Cook flick. It was to be the last action for the striker as he was stretchered off.
With 20 minutes remaining City appealed for a penalty. Strong split the defence with a speculative 'hoof', Wallace darted into the area. He looked to have been impeded but referee Ganfield waved away the appeals.
Two minutes later Whites' woe continued. Edwards dispossessed Aaron Cook in his own penalty area and doubled the visitors' lead.
Wallace almost pulled a goal back, but his wicked curling shot went the wrong side of the post.
City's renaissance under Nick Holmes spluttered horribly, ending their unbeaten league home record for 2005.
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