WHITES continued their rich vein of form with a sixth consecutive league win, ending Chatham's own four-game unbeaten run, writes Ryan Lovejoy.

The three points were all the more hard earned after a disputed sending off for John Purches on 51 minutes, for a supposed professional foul on Danny Lombardo just outside the box.

Bemused City boss Nick Holmes said: "It was a scandalous sending off. The referee decided he committed a foul, but he never did. To get a red card was totally ridiculous. John Purches has never even been booked before in his career, and you won't find many players you can say that about.

"We would appeal if we thought the decision would get reversed."

Holmes was, however, happy with his side's play, particularly the build-up for Adam Wallace's opener in the 42nd minute.

"We played very well on a stodgy pitch, and our first goal was our best of the season. Gary Funnell ran with it from midfield and released it for Wayne Turk who crossed for Adam Wallace to score. It's very pleasing as a manager when we score a goal like that," he enthused.

City doubled their lead in first half stoppage time when captain Scott Bart-lett, returning after a wrist injury, played the ball into the box for Matt Tubbs to head over Chatham 'keeper Mo Munden.

Substitute Lombardo pulled one back soon after the interval and Purches' red card seemed to have swung the game in the home side's favour, but Stuart James' corner found Wallace unmarked to head home his second on 63 minutes.

Glen Billinness grabbed a consolation deep into injury time for the Kent outfit.

Prior to Saturday's win, Salisbury secured three more points on Wednesday evening with a 3-0 home victory against Erith & Belvedere. Second half goals from Steve Strong, Craig Davis and substitute Leigh Phillips did the damage in front of a crowd of 308.