TOMMY Wright fired two penalties as Salisbury consigned rock-bottom Bridgwater Town to a 3-1 defeat on Saturday to move within three points of the congested play-off places.

Wright took centre stage at Fairfax Park in the absence of partner-in-crime Justin Bennett with his first half spot kicks, and there was also a second half goal for Brandon Mundy.

The opener arrived after Whites were forced to make an early change as Sam Roberts was carried off with ankle damage and was replaced by Chris Onoufriou.

Mundy was fouled inside the area from Mike Duffy, and Wright put away the spot-kick after 30 minutes.

Home keeper Liam Kingston saved well from Tom Whelan and Mundy, but Town conceded again just before the break when Tom Richens pulled back Wright, who scored from the spot, taking his goal chart up to 19 at the midway point in the season.

After the break, Tom Whelan hit the bar and George Colson had a header scrambled off the line.

And it wasn't long until the visitors added a third. On 72 minutes, set-piece expert Lewis Benson delivered for Mundy who nodded home.

Five minutes later, there was a big moment for under 18s' Chae Sykes who made his first team debut in the league, replacing two-goal hero Wright.

The hosts, who have won once this season, pulled one back with six minutes left.

Referee Tim Burley spotted shirt tugging in the Salisbury box and he awarded a third penalty, which Syd Camper duly dispatched.

Whites have now closed the gap to three points behind Swindon Supermarine, who occupy fifth spot.

And victory tonight night at Paulton Rovers - their game in hand - would see Whites leap into the play-offs heading into Boxing Day's derby with AFC Totton at the Ray Mac (2pm).

The game at Winterfield Road was postponed in October due to heavy fog so the club have decided to make it FREE entry (7.30pm).