SALISBURY FC booked their place in the first round proper of the FA Trophy with an excellent 2-1 win over visiting East Thurrock.

Having suffered an FA Cup exit to National League South bottom side Weston-super-Mare, the Whites were taking nothing for granted as they faced a side one place above them.

However, this time Salisbury came out on top and will now entertain National League side Braintree at home on December 15, with £6,000 up for grabs for the winners.

The visitors started the game with he wind advantage, but it was the home side who had the first chance of the encounter with Bay Downing's shot cleared off the line.

Salisbury then took the lead on eight minutes, as Downing headed home Lewis Benson's cross.

The Whites nearly doubled their advantage, but Jake Wannell's header was cleared.

The visitors produced their first chance after 27 minutes, as Steve Sheehan's shot flew over the bar.

Downing nearly double his own and Salisbury's tally before the break, but the woodwork denied him.

After the interval, Thurrock's goalie Jack Giddens produced a super stop from Tom Whelan.

Everything looked to be going to plan until, but the home side were stunned when Ben Marlow scored an equaliser from distance.

The Whites hit back as Chris Shephard went close and then Giddens produced a great stop to keep out Whelan's effort just after the hour mark.

However, Salisbury were not to be denied the win, as Danny Young was the provider for Whelan to score to make it 2-1.

This spurred the visitors into action and James Hillson had to be at his best with an excellent double save to keep out both Frankie Hession-Harris and Tom Derry.

Thurrock's Danny Harris also went close soon after, but they were unable to beat Hillson a second time and Salisbury's FA Trophy adventure goes on.

Manager Steve Claridge said: "I don't feel we played that well, but got the job done. It is nice to a home draw in the next round, but once again it is against one the teams from the highest level we could have drawn - which always seems the way for us."

Before the Whites can focus on another FA Trophy scalp, they are back in league action on Wednesday night at leaders Taunton and then Salisbury second in the table face a visit from sixth placed Met Police on Saturday.

Claridge said: "They are two very good sides and it would put us in a great position, if we can takes six points from these two games."