BEN Thomson made a goalscoring start to his Salisbury career, helping the Whites to edge past Beaconsfield Town 1-0 on the opening day.

A 51st minute strike from the 32-year-old was enough for Steve Claridge’s charges to get off to a winning start.

The former Weymouth striker was one of four summer signings handed a start for the visit of Beaconsfield, with Brandon Goodship, Gerard Benfield, and Dinesh Gillela all beginning the match.

Devon Arnold almost started Salisbury’s campaign off with a bang when he broke through the away side’s defence, but his cross into the box was dealt with by Beaconsfield.

The opening exchanges were cagey, meaning there was little of note in terms of goalmouth action.

For the away side Aaron Minhas narrowly missed out on connecting with a tempting ball into the box from five-yards out after 30 minutes of action.

Shortly before the break Salisbury came closest to the opener, with Goodship unable to perfectly execute a lob over away goalkeeper Ravan Constable.

Instead the opener came shortly after the restart, with Thomson on hand to strike what proved to be the winner.

Arnold’s dogged run into the box allowed the teenager to set up his veteran teammate, who promptly turned the ball home inside the box.

The closing stages saw Beaconsfield search for an equaliser, coming close on occasion.

Charlie Davis was well positioned to clear off the line at a corner, before Benfield made four strong saves in quick succession to maintain a clean sheet, and the three points.