SALISBURY Hockey firsts surged into second place after breezing past a disjointed Havant thirds.

The comprehensive 4-1 win, coupled with promotion-rivals Andover slipping up at home to Haslemere 4-2, has put the Lower Bemerton outfit in the title mix as they turn into their final three matches in Hampshire Area Division One.

Alfie Jones got Salisbury off the mark with a well-taken goal before Damien Patterson doubled their lead with a clip hit shot from the top of the D which rocketed into the bottom corner.

After the resumption, Nick Easterbrook made it three nil to leave Havant reeling.

The visitors, though, did claw one back when a direct ball was hoisted into the air and Andrew Lloyd beat his man, Mike Spice, and squared to 68-year-old Chris Bream, who rolled back the years with an immense lob over a helpless Tim Green.

Then, a reverse stick goal from Tom Morton made it 4-1 and the points were sealed.

In fourths hockey, an under-strength Salisbury suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Romsey thirds, whose win secured promotion after turning in an excellent display.