SALISBURY start this season’s FA trophy quest this Saturday at home to Southern League Premier South rivals Dorchester Town in a first round qualifying tie.

Last season the Whites had a great run in this competition as beat Fleet, Merstham, East Thurrock United, Braintree before going out in the second round proper to Carshalton Athletic.

Manager Steve Claridge would love another nice run in this competition, but Dorchester will pose a tricky first outing this season.

Claridge said: “I love the cups, but we know this is not an easy tie and it could have been a lot easier at this stage of the competition, as we are up against a side from our own division.

“It is what it is and we will go into the game looking to win it as we are home, as we don’t want a replay away.”

Looking at current form Salisbury will start as favourites as they are unbeaten in their last five games, while the visiting Magpies chalked up their first win in four games last Saturday with victory at home to to Yate, but on Tuesday night lost to local rivals Wimbourne.

Salisbury were in action on Tuesday night making the long trip to Merthyr.

They added new signings Amos Nasha signed on dual registration from Dulwich Hamlet and Ricardo Rees on a youth loan from Championship side Bristol City for their trip to Wales.

The home side opened the scoring with their first attack as Eloit Richards netted in the third minute.

Salisbury left it late to equalise as Leroy Lita found the back of the net in the sixth minute of added one time.

Talking after the game Claridge said: “We had to bring in two so we had a team and don’t think we played well, but still got a point. It was nice for once that we scored a late winner as it happened so often to us.

“I was happy with a point after our win at Harrow and keeps us up with the leaders."

Last Saturday, Salisbury made it four wins on the trot as they beat visiting Harrow -1.

Shaqualle Hippolyte-Patrick scored twice and Nathaniel Oseni netted the other for the home side.

However, the win did come at a cost as Elliott Wheeler was injured and he will still be out this weekend, but on the plus side Aaron Dawson is expected to back after illness ruled him out of the Merthyr trip.

On Tuesday night, Salisbury are due to play at home to promotion rivals Poole Town in the league unless either side have a Trophy replay. Poole entertain Hartley Wintney on Saturday.