SKIPPER Rory MacTaggart smashed his 37th goal of the campaign in Salisbury Hockey colours as they crushed University of Portsmouth 4-0 to stay on the coat-tails of the table’s top two.

The victory couldn’t have been better preparation for MacTaggart’s side, unbeaten since Christmas, ahead of their meaningful clash with leaders Haslemere on Saturday, knowing a win would put them to within a point of catching them.

On Saturday the confidence showed from the off, with Alfie Jones tucking home the opener after converting MacTaggart’s set up.

Two further goals followed in well-taken fashion by marksman Max Grossmith as he stretched the lead to 3-0 at the break.

Salisbury exerted more pressure on the visitors at Lower Bemerton and they eventually were rewarded with a fourth when MacTaggart fired a drag flick into the roof of the net.

He said: “Another fantastic result this side of Christmas.

“The final two games against first and second in the league (Hampshire Area Division One) are huge.

“We are easily good enough to be at the top of this league and, in the form we are in at the moment, I can't wait to show the rest of the league exactly that.”

In youth hockey, Salisbury youngsters trounced Bournemouth 9-2 at the weekend.

The scorers were William Briggs (3), Ollie Clayton (2), Edward Wade, Seb Horlock, Ed Smail and Will Maloney.