HIGH-FLYING Salisbury romped to a 3-0 victory over beleaguered Slimbridge AFC to cement fourth spot in Southern League Division One South and West.

Skipper Kane O'Keefe's strike, sandwiched between a double from returning wideman Taurean Roberts, ensured Whites celebrated their 100th competitive game in style.

Roberts, who re-joined the club from Tooting and Mitcham United last week, lit up a dull and freezing cold Ray Mac with a magical moment after six minutes.

A Tom Whelan corner was cleared into the path of Roberts who twisted and turned before firing a rocket, helped by the wind, into the top corner from 25 yards out.

Seven minutes later, Roberts tried to weave his magic once more but this time his long-range shot flew over the top.

Salisbury piled on the pressure and Lewis Benson's free kick was nodded on by Tommy Wright who was denied by keeper Pete Davies and the rebound fell to Justin Bennett but he missed the chance.

Opportunities kept on coming in the second half and Wright was among those with two efforts, a stooping header which went wide before forcing a strong save from Davies.

It took 56 minutes for the Gloucestershire-based outfit to summon their first effort on goal, Jack Sklenar bursting through the middle only to be denied by thwarted by Alex Bass.

And that was as close as they came to scoring as Whites doubled their cushion after 73 minutes. Eddie Perrett launched a high ball into the box which Bennett nodded into the path of skipper O'Keefe who hooked his effort over Davies.

And the outcome was wrapped up 10 minutes later when Bennett's pass in the six-yard box was deflected into Roberts' direction, and he lashed home at the far post.

Boss Steve Claridge said: "A comprehensive victory, in the end, that sums it up.

"It wasn't very good first half and I had to change the shape a little bit to give us some impetus going forward.

"We missed some chances but yet again we've made life difficult for ourselves.

"We didn't do enough second half but we will keep doing what we can.

"We know what to do now to be successful at this level."

Having won 10 of their last 11 games in the league, Whites are four points adrift of third-placed Evesham United and seven points off second-placed Tiverton Town, whereas runaway leaders Hereford are 19 points clear at the summit.

Whites: Bass, Colson, Perrett (Flint, 81), O'Keefe (c) (Herbert, 75), Wheeler, Benson, Whelan, Mundy (Onoufriou), Bennett, Wright, Roberts.

Subs not used: Blake and Ball

Scorers: Roberts (6, 83) O'Keefe (83)

Att: 545

Referee: Martin Underhay (Weymouth)