SALISBURY Hockey Club's men reached the halfway point of their season with a disappointing defeat in an end-to-end match away to Blandford.

Salisbury started well with the midfield duo of Scott Cowan and Dan Dines in particularly lively form.

To their frustration, it was an elementary error that presented Blandford with the opportunity to threaten the Salisbury goal. A misplaced pass out of defence saw a Blandford midfielder pick up the loose ball and coolly lift the ball over 'keeper Tim Green into the roof of the net.

Salisbury continued to battle hard but their efforts were undermined by lapses in concentration, each of which were punished by a Blandford forward line firing on all cylinders.

Salisbury conceded a second when a lofted ball was pounced upon by a Blandford forward who was fortunate when his scuffed shot skidded through the legs of the luckless Green.

By the time Blandford had converted goals three and four courtesy of a tap in at the far post and a shot fired home from five yards out, it was looking as though there was no way back for the visitors.

To their credit, the Salisbury forward line of Andy Grandfield and Dave Pipe dug deep and never stopped creating chances and winning short corners.

They reduced the deficit to 4-1 thanks to Pipe pouncing on the rebound from a saved strike by Grandfield.

Minutes into the second half, Salisbury clawed another goal back, Rob Selbie's shot taking a tricky deflection following a well-worked short corner routine.

However, Blandford fought back with two more goals of their own.

Again, Salisbury refused to give up. They got straight back into the game with Casey bundling home in a goalmouth melee, and followed up with Dave Powell poaching Pipe's shot on the goal-line.

Spirited as their efforts were, Salisbury could not do enough to gain parity.

Despite forcing many more short corners and keeping Blandford on the back foot for the remainder of the match, the hosts maintained their two goal cushion and left Salisbury regretting their poor concentration in the first half, which ultimately cost them the game.

On Saturday, they travel to Heath End School to take on Aldershot & Farnham in the Hampshire Cup, 2.45pm.

Salisbury ladies were equally disappointed with a goalless draw with Chippenham that saw them allow ample scoring opportunities go to waste.

They took control of the game right from the outset, leaving Chippenham with no choice but to cram their D in a desperate bid to keep them at bay.

The first half saw a slew of Salisbury's short corner routines and goal chances go wide or be deflected off the pitch.

After the break, Salisbury again went all out for the points.

It wasn't pure luck that earned Chippenham a point - their 'keeper pulling off spectacular saves to keep her side in it.

With 20 minutes to go, Salisbury even pushed their defenders forward as they launched a barrage of attacks.

But it was not their day.

Salisbury now have a break from league games until January 13.