SALISBURY FC have lost their leading goal scorer.

Sam Wilson, who won the Sydenhams Wessex Premier golden boot after netting 40 times for the champions, has parted company with the Whites and is set to re-join Winchester City.

The outgoing striker has agreed a deal with the Denplan City Ground outfit and hopes to sign in the next few weeks.

He says he was unsure how often he would feature for boss Steve Claridge with his recent capture of sought-after hitman Justin Bennett.

Speaking to JournalSport, Wilson said: "I was a bit disappointed when Justin came in as I thought I wouldn’t get a chance.

“He’s a good signing and I understand why the club have done it.

“I spoke to Steve and he said he couldn’t turn down the opportunity. I would have loved to have stayed but it wasn’t meant to be.

“I got on well with the fans and there was a good dressing room. I leave with a heavy heart.”

For much of last season, the 21-year-old spearheaded the Salisbury attack, which saw him bag three hat-tricks, including a four-goal haul against Bournemouth Poppies.

Southampton-based Wilson, an electrician by trade, played for Winchester the season before last and could feature at the Ray Mac when the clubs go head-to-head in the Evo-Stick Southern League Division One South and West next term.

He becomes the second Whites striker to leave following the departure of Ashley Jarvis, who has joined Moneyfields.

Claridge said: “I believe Sam has another club lined up who are paying him a bit more than we were offering, but I don’t think it’s really about that."

“Sam was great for us last season, as being the league’s top scorer with 40 goals tells you, but I think he wanted to be sure he would play more games than I could guarantee him, what with Justin Bennett coming to the club.

“I understand that and wish him well at his new club. I am sure everyone at the club, along with all the supporters, will offer a big thank you for all his efforts.”

Meanwhile, two new faces have arrived at Old Sarum. They are midfielder Lewis Benson from Andover Town and defender Josh Warren from AFC Portchester.

The Andover captain, played 47 games last season - 44 starts - and scored 18 goals from midfield, including four in one game against Alresford Town.

Claridge added: “These are two very good signings. They are easily capable of stepping up to Southern League South and West level and will be top additions to the squad."

Whites have confirmed they will start in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, August 20.