VICTORY at Portland United last Saturday earned Salisbury an FA Cup third qualifying round tie at home to Margate.

Both sides will be happy with the draw, as they play at the same level with the Kent side currently 11th in the Isthmian League Premier side.

Whites boss Steve Claridge said: “It is nice to be a home and I am happy to to play a side at the same level as us. The draw could have been a lot worst and they are probably thinking the same. It should be a good game.”

The third round qualifying tie is scheduled to take place at the Ray Mac on Saturday, October 5.

Looking back on on his side’s 1-0 win at Portland last Saturday Claridge said: “We got the result we wanted, in what was difficult conditions, but we were fortunate and if I am honest they deserved to take us to a replay.”

Before Salisbury can focus fully on their next FA Cup clash, they have a busy week coming up with two games one in the Southern League Premier South and the other in the Southern League Cup.

On Saturday, Hartley Wintney will be the visitors to the Ray Mac and they are currently 13th in the table, six places below the Whites.

Then on Tuesday night, Salisbury are on their travels to Paulton Rovers for a League Cup clash.

Claridge is hopeful that Darren Mings, who was forced off against Portland due to a head injury will be fit for the Hartley game and he is also hoping Elliott Wheeler will be able to play some part in the game, having returned from injury to be an unused sub last Saturday.

Claridge said: “Hartley are a decent team so Saturday is not going to be easy. In the league we have conceded three goals in all of our last three games, so I am looking to put this right on Saturday.

“On Tuesday night at Paultons we will give some players who need some game time the chance, but I will be taking a strong team as we want to progress in this competition.”

Last Saturday, Wessex League Premier Division’s Portland United gave their opponents from two leagues above a real fright, before losing to a solitary Toby Holmes strike seconds before the half-time whistle

A high ball from the right was neatly chested down by Holmes who stroked the ball past Steve Boore from just inside the area.

Although the hosts edged the second half with a spirited display, they could not quite find the equaliser their endeavour richly deserved, as their best chance of the game fell to Jamie Beasley who was denied by a terrific save by Tom Smith 10 minutes from time.