SALISBURY Hockey Firsts succumbed five times in a devastating second half from Haslemere, denting their promotion aspirations.

The Lower Bemerton outfit came into the game in third place, just two points behind visitors Haslemere off the back of a fine performance against the University of Portsmouth. They were also boosted by the return of striker Alfie Jones from injury.

With confidence seemingly sky high, the home side played some of their best hockey of the season in the first period. Despite conceding the opening goal from a well-worked penalty corner, Salisbury hit back through ex-skipper Tom Morton before taking the lead ten minutes before half time.

Their second was possibly their best goal of the season – a counter attack sprung Jack Humphrey down the right hand side, he beat a couple of defenders and squared unselfishly to Jones to tap in.

The hosts failed to take a number of other chances and received a body blow when Haslemere equalised on the stroke of half time.

This proved to be the turning point and in the second half Haslemere showed more gumption as they netted five goals to win the game 7-3 despite a consolation from Max Grossmith.

That victory has made the Hampshire Division 1 look more like a two-horse race with leaders Andover, who Salisbury face on Saturday.

Elsewhere, a frozen pitch delayed proceedings at Alton for 15 minutes which didn’t help Salisbury Fourths’ case.

They lost 4-2 and thus were leapfrogged by their midtable Hampshire rivals.