SALISBURY FC were at their sharpest to come from behind and shock Premier League newbies AFC Bournemouth at a lively Ray Mac.

Just shy of 2,000 fans poured through the turnstiles to watch Steve Claridge’s re-formed side, eight leagues lower than their opposition, win 2-1 on a memorable night for Whites’ fans.

Second half goals from substitutes Patrick Nolan and match winner Mark Ford cancelled out Harry Cornick’s first half opener to secure a third pre-season win for the hosts, who kick-start their Wessex Premier schedule two weeks on Saturday.

Cherries’ side were being managed by ex-assistant manager Warren Feeney’s brother-in-law Stephen Purches, who fielded under-21s and some former first-teamers.

The visitors had Salisbury penned in their own half for much of the opening 20 minutes.

It was after Cherries’ sustained pressure that led to Jordan Green closing down Steve Walker and Cornick slotting home past Gareth Barfoot in the 24th minute.

Matt Butcher’s snap-shot and Sam Matthews’ free-kick kept the Whites alert before Cornick should have doubled Cherries’ lead but was denied by Barfoot.

Salisbury, roared on by the 1,727 crowd, took the game to Cherries in the second half, aided by the arrivals of Patrick Nolan, Sam Wilson, Ford and Eddie Perrett.

A set piece from Callum Casson was headed into the path of Nolan to tap in for the leveller and cause bedlam behind the goal.

Salisbury’s energy and enthusiasm carried much weight as they chased a winner.

Ten minutes from time a costly slip-up from central defender Elliott Ward, who has played top-flight football at West Ham United and Norwich City, allowed Whites to profit.

Wilson altruistically played in Ford who stayed composed to provide the winning finish - creating a smile from watching ex-manager Nick Holmes in the press box.

“They were a good side - for 30 minutes we couldn’t get near them,”said Claridge, who has recently had a hair transplant as part of an advertising campaign.

“One or two (Cherries) could easily play in the Championship or League One without a shadow of a doubt and we’ve beaten a really good side."

“I’m not surprised by how well we’ve done as we’ve got a great group, I’ve been saying this for the last six or seven weeks.”

Squad so far: GOALKEEPERS: Gareth Barfoot, Monty George.

DEFENDERS: George Coulson, Steve Walker, Lewis Brailey, Callum Brockway, Matt Burt.

MIDFIELDERS Patrick Nolan, Claudio Herbert, Sam Roberts, Dan Demkiv, Danny Young, Brandon Mundy, Kane O’Keefe.

STRIKERS: Ashley Jarvis, Sam Wilson, Mark Ford.