Ten-Man Salisbury Close The Gap

The Evo-Stik League South West programme was once again hit by the weather on Saturday, with only five of its scheduled fixtures going ahead.

Leaders Taunton Town were inactive as their game at Winchester City was one of those off, but second-placed Salisbury FC won 2-1 at third-placed Evesham United to narrow the gap at the top to eight points.

And it was quite a game at the Jubilee Stadium!

It all kicked-off on the half-hour mark when Evesham were reduced to nine-men and the Whites to ten.

United`s Linden Dovey was dismissed for a foul and his team-mate Archie Haskayne was sent-off for dissent, while Salisbury`s Owen Howe followed for an early shower.

The ten-men opened the scoring right on half-time through Dan Young from close range.

Evesham`s returning Garyn Preen gave away a 54th minute penalty for a foul on Stuart Green and George Colson converted the spot-kick.

But a minute later, the nine-men were back in the game when Matt Liddiard headed in an Adam Mann corner, but they weren`t able to find a leveller.

Wimborne Town moved into fourth, two points behind Evesham, after recording a 1-0 win at seventh-placed Swindon Supermarine, courtesy of a 79th minute spot-kick converted by Toby Holmes.

Bideford AFC moved to within three points of the top six after beating another of the play-off contenders, AFC Totton.

The hosts fell behind to a Charlie Gunson goal right on half-time.

But just 4 minutes after the break, Bideford levelled through Josh Key and 6 minutes later, Sean Downing grabbed what turned out to be the Devonians winner.

Paulton Rovers were the day`s other winners, 3-2 at home to Shortwood United in which Jack Freeman gave the visitors an early 3rd minute lead.

But Jack Ball equalised within 5 minutes and he gave Rovers the lead shortly after half-time.

Liam Monelle stretched Paulton`s advantage midway through the second half, with Freeman bagging his second 6 minutes from time.

Yate Town and Cirencester Town shared a 2-2 draw in the only other game of the day.

Ben Whitehead broke the deadlock to put Ciren in front 5 minutes after half-time.

Steve Davies levelled 15 minutes later, but Will Christopher`s 83rd minute second looked to have won it for the visitors, until Matt Tanner popped up with the Bluebells` equaliser 3 minutes into stoppage time.

Source Pitchero Non League