SALISBURY City took another step closer to securing promotion to the restructured Dr Martens Premier Division with a 2-0 away win at Ashford Town.

Craig Davis was instrumental in both goals as Nick Holmes' side made it three wins in a row.

His 14th minute free kick was deflected past Ashford 'keeper Rob O'Hara after hitting Danny Lye and four minutes from time he made sure of the points with a cool finish after being put in by substitute Steve Strong.

With automatic promotion on offer to the sides finishing in the top seven of the Eastern Division, Whites now require just nine more points to guarantee stepping up the non-league ladder, although two more victories are likely to be enough to avoid having to progress via the play-off stages.

But Holmes will insist his side finish as high in the table as possible, and will want to improve on last season's fourth place berth.

Those who believe City can still win the title were given a boost on Tuesday evening when leaders Tonbridge Angels and fellow high-fliers Folkestone Invicta suffered surprise defeats at the hands of Newport IoW and Bashley respectively.

However, the coming weeks will test City's credentials to the full as they take on a trio of clubs who are still hopeful of winning the championship.

On Saturday Whites make the long journey to many people's title favourites King's Lynn.

The busy Easter Bank Holiday weekend kicks off with Tonbridge visiting Old Sarum.

King's Lynn and Histon both head to Wiltshire after City's Bank Holiday Monday trip to Newport IoW.

Football round-up: page 103.