SALISBURY Ladies have missed out on promotion back to the top table of West of England Women's Hockey.

Relegated in 2011, they finished runners-up to Taunton Vale last season - but had a better chance of making the leap back up again this term, writes Mike Vimpany.

Going into their penultimate game at Hereford a fortnight ago, they were in pole position, ahead of Cheltenham on points and goal difference.

An unexpected 7-4 defeat changed all that - and left Salisbury facing a win-or-bust finale at Cheltenham.

It didn't work out for the Salisbury girls who played well in the first half, took the lead - only to suffer a ten minute second half nightmare, which ultimately cost them a 2-1 defeat.

"We totally dominated the first half. We we much the stronger team getting to every ball first, double teaming whenever they got the ball and creating many scoring opportunities," said skipper Kate Behan.

“The jitters had definitely set in for Salisbury. We looked like rabbits in the headlights, struggling to find their first half form and get hold of the ball.

“But I'm really proud of the determined effort from the girls. We really deserved something better but we will just have to train hard over the summer and come back ready to gain promotion next season.”

Salisbury got the early lead they wanted - Miranda Mactaggart neatly deflecting a powerful free hit from Jenna Tait to give the visitors' a half-time lead.

A second goal would have provided Salisbury with an ideal cushion, while Cheltenham had very few attacking chances and any time they did penetrate the D it was comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Louise Davidson.

Salisbury faced a different Cheltenham side in the second half - a team needing to score twice to win the league.

In the space of ten agonising minutes, Cheltenham grabbed two quick goals to leave Salisbury reeling.

Fiona Maffey equalised from a penalty corner and soon after Alice Conquest got the winner.

Ironically, that telling ten-minute period was the only time Cheltenham threatened.

Salisbury late bid to salvage a draw didn't occur.

They forced several penalty corners and hit the goal frame, but Cheltenham ran down the clock to secure the title.