A GOAL from Calvin Brooks proved enough for Salisbury to end 2022 on a high with a 1-0 victory at Winchester City.
Having picked up just one point in the league since November, Brian Dutton’s charges treated their travelling fans to a late Christmas present with all three on Boxing Day.
Dutton made two changes to his side which lost at Beaconsfield last time out, with Devon Arnold and Jerry Lawrence recalled.
Winch made the brighter start, but goalkeeper Gerard Benfield was equal to the task to deny both Henry Brooks and Max Smith.
At the other end, Marvin Brooks and Arnold combined to find Brandon Goodship, who drew a good save from home stopper Charlie Philpott.
It took just four minutes of the second half for Salisbury to net what proved to be the decisive goal.
Goodship’s corner was flicked on by Josh Carmichael, with Calvin Brooks on hand to tap in at the back post.
Arnold and Dan Fitchett both wasted a big chances to double the lead, before opportunities began to dry up for the visitors.
Chasing a late equaliser, Joshua Bertie fired high and wide before time ran out for Winchester.
Salisbury, who sit sixth in Southern Premier South, host Poole Town on Monday (3pm).
Whites: Benfield, C Brooks, Gillela, Roberts, Kherbouche, Carmichael, Lawrence, D Arnold (Lee), M Brooks (Tomlinson), Goodship, Fitchett.
Unused subs: Roocroft, C Arnold, Gunstone-Gray.
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