SALISBURY marked the first game of new manager Brian Dutton’s reign by salvaging a point away in a 1-1 draw at North Leigh.

Former Whites captain Dutton had been installed as boss at the Ray Mac following the departure of long-serving manager Steve Claridge after a 4-2 victory over Tiverton last week, the club citing early exits in the FA Cup and FA Trophy as part of the decision to change management.

Unable to make sweeping changes with just a few days in charge, Dutton made one switch, captain Darren Mullings making way for striker Brandon Goodship.

The opening exchanges were tame, neither side able to properly take control of the game.

Goodship saw a low drive well saved by North Leigh keeper Adam North after being fashioned in by Charlie Davis.

Shortly before the break, the opener would come, the hosts taking the lead with five minutes of the first half remaining.

After picking up a loose ball in his own half, Amer Awadh drove forward before switching the play out wide to the left flank with a diagonal ball.

The subsequent cross was not perfect, but Whites were unable to properly clear, allowing Jordan Alves to pounce and strike the ball past Gerard Benfield in the Salisbury goal.

Benfield was again called into action in the early stages of the second period, the former Wimborne shot stopper preventing a second for North Leigh by denying Levi Steele.

Salisbury rallied, coming close through Goodship with 15 minutes remaining.

Ultimately, it would be a set piece that would entitle Whites to a share of the spoils.

Two successive corners eventually led to Sam Roberts nodding home at the back post in the 82nd minute.

With Poole Town winning at the weekend, the draw sees Salisbury slip to sixth place, just outside of the play-offs.

They return to action this weekend, when Metropolitan Police visit Wiltshire on Saturday (3pm).

Salisbury: Benfield, Davis, Sommerton, Roberts, Gillela, Wakefield, Carmichael, Lee (Mullings, 67), Diaz, Goodship, Fitchett (Thomson, 49)

Unused Subs: Fox, Matthews (g/k).