BOSS Steve Claridge believes Salisbury can challenge for second spot, if their injury fortunes change.

Whites picked up a fifth straight league win on Boxing Day, comfortably beating AFC Totton 2-0.

Two second-half goals from Lewis Benson and Justin Bennett consolidated fifth spot – moving two points clear of sixth-placed Swindon Supermarine.

Heading into the new year, Whites are on 41 points, nine points behind second-placed Tiverton Town.

But it’s a deficit Claridge reckons his charges can chase.

“If we had a fit squad, I would say we would be second to Hereford,” he told JournalSport.

“I can say that now, hand on heart, if we have a reasonably fit squad – but we haven’t seen that.

“I think we are learning how to win games of football.

“I felt like we could, after we had done Hereford, if people could hold their nerve and stay with it there were opportunities then to pick up points.

“I still think that’s the case now. We have to win nine or 10 on the trot and we’ve won five. We’re in fifth spot and fifth spot is a difficult position to be in the play-offs.

“We have to keep going and see where it takes us.

“I don’t think we need to put any pressure on ourselves.”

The routine victory over Louis Langdown’s Totton was marred by Brandon Mundy’s ankle injury.

The left-sided attacker suffered the knock on 26 minutes – and was stretchered off.

He joins Danny Young, Callum Hart and Calum Brockway on the long-term casualty list.

“We’re losing a player a game. We are bare bones,” Claridge added.

“I’m searching for a system and a team where I know there really isn’t one at this stage which fits the bill.

“I had some really good performances, some real stand-out performances and some plum-average performances. And the good performances, thankfully outweighed the poor ones, which got us through.”

One man who stood out for Claridge in the game, and season, is Benson.

Talking of the midfielder, who he signed from Sydenhams Wessex Premier outfit Andover Town in the summer, Claridge beamed: “Lewis Benson has been fantastic.

“For once, my timing has been alright. He has been marvellous.

“He hits the post first half and looks a threat every time he gets the ball. He has been a marvellous acquisition for us.

“I’m pleased from what I’ve got from him.”

Whites’ next fixture takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, at Wimborne (3pm).