SALISBURY FC manager Steve Claridge felt the penalty miss against Didcot on Tuesday night, was turning point of the game as the Whites lost 3-1 in Oxfordshire.

Claridge said: “We conceded twice goal early on, but came back to 2-1. Had we scored the penalty, it would have levelled things at half-time and I felt we would have gone one and won the game.

“I cannot fault the work rate at Didcot from the players, but they defended well and we have to move on.”

Last Saturday, the Whites turned in a fine performance as they beat in form Yate 6-2 a result which pleased the boss.

Those two results leaves Salisbury in second spot in the Southern League Division West, seven points clear of three teams on 49 points Bristol Manor Farm, Evesham and Didcot.

This Saturday, they travel to play-off hopefuls Swindon Supermarine, who are eighth and unbeaten in their last four games.

The Whites will be hoping to avenge a 2-0 home loss back in September, when Swindon were the early pace setters.

New signing winger Cory Simpson, who joined from Larkhall Athletic this week, and was on the bench at Didcot could get his first start. Talking about his latest signing Claridge said: “He is a good addition to the squad and gives us more options at this stage of the season. We are expecting a tough game on Saturday. We have our noses in front of the chasing pack at the moment and if anything it easier to get there and now harder to stay there.”