SALISBURY FC won 1-0 win away at Bideford on the last game of the season to secure second place in the league and a home game against Evesham in the play-off semi-final.

Tommy Wright’s 50th goal of the season just after half time was enough for the Whites to take all three points and cement the runner-up spot.

This puts them in great form heading into the play-offs having won six games on the bounce in the league with their last loss coming against Division One South and West winners Hereford at the end of March.

But the Whites could be without vital players for Wednesday’s play-off semi-final game.

Manager Steve Claridge told JournalSport: “There are three or four really big players that are major concerns.

“A week ago we had a fully fit squad and then you play one game and we lose three players.”

He added: “I’m really disappointed, but it’s something that we’ve had to put up with all season, so we will just have to keep going.”

He also added that the game would not be easy the Whites’ very good recent form would count for nothing if they did not win.

He said: “I don’t think in all honestly previous form has any impact going into the play-offs. Previous form goes out the window.

“Everyone who has come into the play-offs are decent and everyone who has come into them have shown that they can compete with anyone at this level.

“It’s what we do, it’s not about them.”

The Whites started the game the better side having plenty of the ball, but without creating any clear-cut chances.

Bideford, who drew with Taunton in their previous game, were very well organised and were tough to break down.

But early in the second half Wright found the back of the net. Taurean Roberts crossed the ball in from the left, cutting the ball back to Jesse Waller-Lassen, who sliced it, but the ball eventually fell to Wright who drilled into the bottom corner.

Bideford were then the better side after going behind, but both teams failed to create any more clear-cut chances in the second half to trouble either keeper.

Roberts could have put the game to bed for Salisbury after being played through on goal following a great pass from Wright, but his shot failed to trouble the keeper and went wide. Kane O’Keefe also went close late on, but his header went over the bar.

The Whites play Evesham on Wednesday night in a one-leg play-off semi-final for a place in the final which will be on Monday, May 1.

Steve Claridge has urged fans to get behind the Whites he said: “We’re hoping that people will turn out in their droves and give us that support we desperately need to get us over the line.

“It could be the difference between us winning and losing the game.”