SALISBURY Ladies go into the West of England Women’s League Premier Division 2A winter break with a seven-point cushion over their rivals at the top of the table.

A thumping 6-0 win over second placed Team Bath Buccaneers means that Salisbury will hold that advantage over Christmas and for the next seven weeks until they resume against Bretforton at Bemerton on Saturday, January 18.

“It’s as near perfect situation as we could have wished for,” smiled captain Kate Behan.

“We’ve done the spadework and have a nice little lead at the halfway point, so it’s important we push on in the new year.”

Salisbury took a little while to get going, but they settled once speedster Matilda Hewitt, who generated some dynamic play up front, gave the city girls a half-time lead.

They dominated the game after the break through their formidable midfield, led by man-of-the-match and captain Behan.

Jenna Whittle and Lisa Lovatt successfully penetrated Bath’s defence from short corners.

Salisbury’s fitness levels proved too much for Bath Buccs, Irish talent Kerry McCollum making it 4-0.

Late goals were scored by Matilda Hewitt, securing her second, and Sarah Dunn, who completed the 6-0 victory with a cheeky flick in the back of the net.

SALISBURY fifths’ patience paid off as they registered their first win of the season on Saturday.

Sarah Budd’s welldeserved hat-trick, Alison Thake’s double, and single goals from Hannan Mcleod, on her senior debut, and Esther Mcleod completed a 7-0 thumping over Swanage & Wareham seconds.

Their next game is at home to Gillingham seconds on Saturday, January 18 (10am).