GOAL machine Justin Bennett fired a hat-trick as Whites avenged their early season defeat with a 5-2 thumping of Taunton Town.

The accurate-shooting marksman opened the scoring on 13 minutes when he headed home an inviting cross from Lewis Benson.

Benson then turned from provider to scorer 12 minutes later as he found space inside the box and hooked home a second.

Newbie Mason Walsh, son of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur legend Paul who has joined Whites on a non-contract basis, came close to scoring on his debut with a low effort which fizzed wide of the far post.

The in-control hosts suffered a setback when skipper Kane O'Keefe left the field clutching his right hamstring - adding his name to the long-term casualty list.

However, moments later Whites added a third as Bennett netted following a goalmouth scramble.

The Peacocks, who had beaten Whites 3-1 at the start of the season but were suffering from a FA Cup hangover, waited 40 minutes to carve their first real chance.

Dangerman Craig Duff had three successive shots, all were saved by Alex Bass.

And those missed efforts proved costly as midfielder Benson tried his luck from range and the low shot was fumbled by Lloyd Irish and trudged over the line.

Whites were in total command as they took a 4-0 lead into the interval.

After the restart, Ed Palmer stung the gloves of Bass before a double substitution was made, one of which included Jordan Rogers who made an instant impact.

Former Salisbury striker Matt Wright was upended in the area and won a penalty; Rogers leathered home.

Brett Trowbridge then went close with a free header before Rogers unleashed a rocket from 25 yards which nestled into the top corner.

At 4-2 and with five minutes of stoppage time, a grandstand finish was in store.

And in added time Bennett secured his hat-trick - his third of the campaign - and Salisbury's fifth to round off a seven-goal bonanza.

It's a victory that moves Salisbury one place up to eighth in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West table, six points off the play-offs with a game in hand.

Boss Steve Claridge said: "I'm really pleased."

"We knew what sort of game it was going to be and what to expect from them [Taunton]. They've got one way of playing and that's it - to get the ball forward at every opportunity."

Whites host Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the second round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Whites: Bass, Colson, Wheeler, Perrett (Mundy, 72), Whelan, Benson, O'Keefe (Parselle 29), Roberts, Walsh (Rusher, 79), Wright, Bennett.

Subs not used: Herbert, Ball.

Scorers: Bennett (13, 32, 90+3), Benson (25, 45).

Att: 666.

Referee: Philip Staynings (Leigh).