Win eases drop fears

SALISBURY men's first team approached Satur-day's game at Petersfield knowing that anything less than three points from the trip could well doom them to relegation.

Things did not bode well when Charlie Yiangou and Adie Rigg pulled out of the game after Wednesday night's training session and Rob Selbie, who had been out for three weeks with a groin strain, was unable to train when he was hoping to.

However, the team did skipper Dan Dines proud. They were ruthless in the tackle at the back and in midfield, and with Andy Grandfield in fine form, they even looked menacing up front.

Early chances again went begging, but Salis-bury were not to be denied.

James Stormont reacted first after a good run down the left by John Baker, and shot the ball into the roof of the net.

Some sterling defence ensured Salisbury went in at half time with their lead intact.

Grandfield made a number of intelligent runs up front and held onto the ball until support arrived. Stuart Richardson, who was only called up into the team late on Friday night, dived to connect with one of his crosses and it seemed only a matter of time until they doubled the lead.

Andy Miles' penalty flick gave them the two-goal cushion after Grandfield had been fouled following another excellent team move.

Stormont completed the 3-0 scoreline, but there was still time for Dines to suffer a nasty injury which required 12 stitches just above his right eye after the ball deflected into his face off a defender's stick.

Salisbury entertain Portsmouth & Southsea on Saturday (1pm) and another three points against a side they beat earlier in the season, would be welcome.

Salisbury's ladies first team turned in a lacklustre display in a 3-0 friendly defeat at Marlborough.

Trailing by two goals at the break, Salisbury rallied in the second half winning a number of penalty corners.

However, the home side, who are pushing for Premier Division hockey next season, added a third.

Saturday sees the Salisbury side return to league action when Wimborne visit for a 10am start.