SALISBURY FC reaped the benefits of their top fitness levels during a 4-0 win over AFC St Austell on Saturday, according to chief Steve Claridge.

The Whites scored three of the four goals in the second half, a pattern which has occurred for much of their season so far.

Talking after the second round win to JournalSport, Claridge said: "I thought we were the better side, there's no doubt about that. It was a convincing win."

"We had three guilt-edged chances in the first half and should have put the game to bed.

"We never expected an easy game and played very well.

"We were stronger and better and it takes a good team to beat us.

"We work extremely hard on fitness and on strengthening and conditioning. We work as hard on these things just as much as teams across non-league do.

I could see them wilting after 30 minutes."

Whites are looking to welcome back Sam Roberts, Callum Hart and Harry Wedlake in the next 10 days as Claridge wants to stretch his squad.

Roberts and Wedlake have both carrying knocks while Hart dislocated his shoulder in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase at home to Folland Sports, some seven weeks ago.

He added: "We've got 10 games in the space of two months and I need a big as squad as possible.

"And we'll look to bring in two more in time for Highworth on December 12."

They travel to Laverstock and Ford in the Salisbury Hospital Cup tomorrow night (7.45pm).