SALISBURY FC made the short trip to Wimborne Town for an Easter Monday game but were unable to return with any points as they lost 4-2.
Salisbury's teamsheet showed five changes from Saturday's win over Shortwood as Rhys Baggridge, Kane O'Keefe, Owen Howe, Stuart Green and Danny Young replaced Eddie Perrett, Claudio Herbert, Zach Kotwica, Luke Hopper and Lewis Ellington.
The staff at Wimborne had worked hard to ensure the game could go ahead and despite a big slope in the pitch it held up well throughout.
Salisbury made a bright start and could have taken the lead within the first minute but Green put his effort over after wriggling through the home defence.
Wimborne were quick to respond and could have taken the lead themselves but George Colson was handily placed to clear of the line following a good run from Jack Lovell.
The game was proving to be an end to end affair and after Baggridge had seen an effort blocked for The Whites, Wimborne broke and Toby Holmes was unlucky to see his curling shot come crashing back of the post.
After the frenetic opening the game settled down and chances proved few and far between despite both teams looking to be positive.
Salisbury took the lead just after the half hour mark when Young showed good pace to beat his fullback and crossed well for Jake Wannell to power a header past home goalkeeper Gerard Benfield.
Following the goal Salisbury looked to control the pace of the game, but just before half time the home side were level. Wimborne broke quickly down the left and worked the ball across.
A shot came in from the edge of the area and Elliot Wheeler was adjudged to have used his arm to block its progress.
Despite fierce protests from Salisbury players, the penalty was awarded and Toby Holmes stepped up to put his shot past Charlie Searle despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
The half time whistle sounded not long after to bring an end to an enjoyable first half.
The start of the second half saw Salisbury have a lot of the ball despite not creating any clear cut chances.
They were made to pay on 53 minutes when the home side took the lead.
A quick break saw Lee Francis release Holmes and the striker duly completed the finish for his second goal of the game. Salisbury were quick to respond and saw Green glance a header wide before Wimborne's Paddy Hester was on hand to clear off the line from Colson's headed effort.
As Salisbury continued to press in search of an equaliser Wimborne looked to play on the counter and were rewarded with a 3rd goal when Luke Burbidge applied an excellent finish following another quick break.
Salisbury did not give up and continued to attack, with Howe putting a shot wide and Sam Roberts unable to threaten with a flicked effort. The Whites did get a goal back on 77 minutes when Howe smashed home a shot after O'Keefe had flicked on Benson's corner.
The visitors could have grabbed an equaliser two minutes later, but Benfield did well to tip Benson's free kick over the bar. Salisbury pushed forward in search of a goal but were again undone on the break as Holmes went through to complete his hat-trick.
Despite their best efforts Salisbury were unable to fashion another clear cut effort and Wimborne saw out the last 5 minutes to ensure they claimed the 3 points.
Salisbury are next in action on Saturday April 7, when they will look to bounce back at home to Cinderford Town, kick off 3pm.
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