On the ball. Chris Rowland-Jones about to launch another Salisbury attack. DA7248P04Ladies open up four-point lead at the top after beating their closest challengers

SALISBURY Hockey Club's ladies' first team took a major step towards securing the Central Division title with an impressive 3-1 victory over main rivals Firebrands.

The Bristol-based side arrived at Wilton Road as the only team to have taken points off the hosts this season and with so much at stake, the opening exchanges proved a tense and cautious affair.

Both sides pushed forward when possible, looking to exploit any gaps but both sets of defenders were in uncompromising mood.

Firebrands took the initiative however, when a clinical counter-attacking move caught Salisbury on the hop midway through the half.

The final shot took a deflection off a home defender giving the Salisbury 'keeper no chance. But the hosts' response was instant.

Salisbury's Lisa Lovett puts Firebrands under pressure. DA7248P08Miranda McTaggart coolly slotted home a penalty flick to level the scores after Firebrands' illegal use of the feet prevented a certain goal.

The half-time break gave Salisbury the chance to refocus and they soon showed why they are top of the table.

A fine move ended with McTaggart finding Bronwen Derry who confidently lifted the ball over the sprawling Firebrands 'keeper to earn them a lead they never looked like relinquishing.

Firebrands piled on the pressure, but Salisbury held firm, and kept their cool and deservedly increased their lead via a superb Linda Scrace strike.

The win opens up a four-point lead at the top with six matches to play, beginning on Saturday with a trip to near neighbours West Wilts at Warminster.

Salisbury's men were also involved in a top of the table tussle and seriously threatened leaders Haslemere's 100-per-cent record before eventually going down 7-5. Andy Grandfield twice pulled Salisbury level before the hosts surged into a 4-2 half-time lead.

Rob Selbie reduced the arrears only for Haslemere to net twice more.

However, Christian Paine's first goal for the club and a Dickie Head stunner had the leaders rocking at 6-5.

Salisbury continued to battle but another unstoppable short corner strike put the contest beyond them.