A BRACE of first-half goals from emerging talent Nick Easterbrook secured Salisbury a first league win of the season, beating Weymouth 2-1.

Controlling much of the first half, both of Easterbrook’s goals came from penalty corners, stepping into the pre-season void left by departing drag-flicker Rory McTaggart.

The visitors rallied after halftime and, with Salisbury unable to keep possession as they did before the break, Weymouth were handed a lifeline when a shot was deflected in at the back post.

Salisbury captain Andy Renshaw said: “We played really well in the first half, but Weymouth came out fighting in the second, which turned the game into a real scrap. The team worked hard to hang on.”

Next the squad travel to Havant to attempt to avenge last season’s loss.

The second team remain winless after slipping to a 3-1 defeat against Alton.

Possession fails to turn into points

THE ladies failed to take advantage of dominating possession against Newent after drawing a blank in a 1-0 defeat.

The Lower Bemerton side squandered a number of opportunities from shots and short corners, failing to build on the 7-2 mauling of Marlborough the previous week.

Despite that the team produced a good midfield and defensive display particularly from Lily Hitchings, Debs Wrighton and Ellen Trott on the right. But they were undone moments before the break on the fourth penalty corner of the first half.

A good strong hit on the angle across the ‘D’ from the Newent striker, with keeper Alana Mercer unable to deflect it wide.

The second half was an even affair and, despite Salisbury pushing for an equaliser, the crucial goal eluded them.

After the game Sharon Mercer said: “This was a good performance against a team that I suspect will probably finish third or fourth this season.

“So, given further time to gel together, I have no doubt that our ladies will have them next time, despite the away disadvantage.”

On Saturday they travel to Bristol to take on Jaspers.