BIRTHDAY-CELEBRATING Steve Claridge watched his injury-hit Salisbury FC close in on the Sydenhams Wessex Premier title with a 2-1 victory at Lymington Town.

After Will Tickle's early opener, Ashley Jarvis and Taurean Roberts struck to wrap up an 18th league win on the trot for the Whites - the day before the Salisbury boss turned 50.

Victory at Hamworthy United tomorrow night would mean the Whites would need one point against Horndean on Thursday night, now rearranged to be played at the Ray Mac, to be crowned champions.

Whites, now 15 points clear of nearest-challengers Blackfield and Langley, who need to win all of their remaining six away games and make up a goal difference of 48 to stand any chance of stopping the runaway leaders, made a slow start in the New Forest.

With just seven minutes on the clock at The Sports Ground, Tickle pulled the trigger from some 25 yards out which cannoned off the post and into the net.

The lead was shortlived, though, as Whites hitback two minutes later.

Ashley Jarvis chased the ball down in the area and his cross-come-shot looped over shotstopper Stuart Williamson and into the goal for his 22nd of the season.

Roberts, causing the full back problems, went close with a header before Danny Young was threaded through on goal but missed the target.

In the 49th minute, Roberts whipped a cross in the area which appeared to be handled by the central defender blocking Steve Walker then Adam Kelly was tripped inside the area, but both penalty appeals were dismissed.

And the advantage could have swung in the home side's favour when a half chance fell to Brad Strickland, who squandered the chance.

Instead, Whites made the pressure count on 56 minutes when Sam Roberts sent an accurate crossfield pass to Taurean Roberts, which he controlled before sending a low drive into the near corner.

It could have been three five minutes from time, Sam Wilson failing to make a real connection with a header that didn't hinder Williamson.