IN-FORM Salisbury cemented their place in the play-offs with a 2-0 victory over beleaguered AFC Totton on Boxing Day.

Two goals in four second half minutes proved enough for Whites to secure a fifth straight win in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South &West.

Midfield battler Lewis Benson, who was denied by the upright and Charlie Searle minutes before the break, made no mistake on 49 minutes.

Leading scorer Tommy Wright found Justin Bennett in space on the right and he unselfishly played in Benson, who smashed a powerful drive into the bottom corner.

Benson then turned provider and his perfectly-guided through ball found Bennett, who slid past the on-rushing Searle for his 17th league goal.

After not converting two good chances in the first half from new signing Alfy Whittingham, son of former Pompey legend Guy, Totton were unfortunate not to halve the deficit midway through the second period; Nathaniel Sherborne unleashed a looping drive which cannoned off the bar.

Elliot Wheeler, Bennett and Benson all had chances to add a third but were unable to beat Searle as Totton remained in the game.

And the visitors summoned two late chances at goal. Mike Gosney created space but blasted over before Dave Allen, whose deflected strike last week gave boss Louis Langdown his first win, headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

The derby win was watched by a season’s best league crowd of 943.

Whites, two points clear of sixth-placed Swindon Supermarine, are back in action on Monday, January 2 at Wimborne (3pm).

Whites: Bass, Colson, Wheeler, Parselle, Flint (Perrett 71), Herbert (Walsh 64), Benson, Whelan, Mundy (Onoufriou 26), Wright, Bennett.

Sub not used: Ball.

Scorers: Benson (49), Bennett (53).

Referee: Michael Halford (Bradley Stoke).

Att: 943.