Great Festive Period For Steve Claridge`s Side

Salisbury FC moved to within seven points of Evo-Stik League South West leaders Taunton Town on New Year`s Day after the Whites beat neighbours Wimborne Town, while the Peacocks` home game with Bideford AFC was one of three that fell to waterlogged pitches.

In front of a crowd of 902, it was a hard slog for the players, and fourth-placed Wimborne made it tough for Steve Claridge`s side.

But the home side took the lead after 11 minutes when Danny Young cut in and hit an effort which Owen Howe guided past Gerard Benfield via a touch off a defender.

The Whites weren`t able to kill off the Magpies though until 2 minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game when Stuart Green raced through to beat Benfield and make it 2-0.

The win made it nine points from the nine available for Salisbury over the festive period.

Swindon Supermarine missed the chance to move into the top four when they were held to a 2-2 draw at the WebbsWood by mid-table Kidlington.

The visitors got off to a great start when Anaclet Odhiambo put them in front after just 3 minutes.

It wasn`t until 5 minutes into the second half that Ryan Campbell pulled `Marine back on level terms and then, just 3 minutes after that, Josh Parsons put them in front.

But Declan Benjamin earned Kidlington a point with the leveller on the hour-mark.

Both Winchester City and AFC Totton missed the chance to move into the top six when they shared a 1-1 draw at the Denplan.

A crowd of 325 saw Ollie Bailey give City the lead 4 minutes after half-time, only for Alfy Whittingham to restore parity on the hour-mark from the penalty spot.

Evesham United were another side who could have slipped into the play-off places had they won at home to lowly Shortwood United.

But Evesham had to be content with a point from a 2-2 draw in which the home side will be ruing missing several clear-cut opportunities.

They were behind, however, when Nick Rhodes put through his own goal after just 8 minutes.

But two goals in a minute midway through the first half from Adam Mann and Matt Liddiard put Evesham in control.

However, Chris Earle earned Shortwood a point in the 74th minute.

Source Pitchero Non League / Steve Wintney