SALISBURY’S trip to Chesham was a game of two halves ending in a 4-0 defeat for the Whites, as the home side continued their efforts to be in the Southern League Premier South play-off spots, writes Andy Munns.

The game summed up Salisbury’s campaign in 90 minutes, with a first half where they battled well and a second that saw the home side score four goals.

The game saw a fairly even first half, with few chances created.

Chesham had the first sight of goal after 24 minutes. Some good build-up play a cross to the back post from Zac Joseph was just beyond the reach of Killian Kouassi.

A couple of minutes later, Salisbury felt they should have had a penalty. Sam Ashton went down in the area and felt he had been fouled by Chesham keeper Sam Beasant, however, referee Robert Clausen waved away the Whites’ appeals.

That was pretty much the last of the action that Ashton saw as he was substituted, leaving the pitch and replaced by Josh Fawole, one of only three substitutes named by manager Steve Claridge.

The second half was a different affair, and it only took a minute for Chesham to take the lead.

The hosts controlled the ball from the start of the half, and it was Joseph who applied the finish following a cross from Bradley Clayton.

Just 15 minutes later the second followed. Clayton broke down the right and cut inside before arrowing his shot into the top corner.

The third goal that finished the game off as a contest came after 70 minutes. Ronny Mfinda finished off a swift counter-attacking move to put the game well beyond Salisbury.

The goals were now flowing for Chesham and they added their fourth in the 85th minute when Kouassi got his second of the game, rising highest at the back post to head home.

Salisbury were denied the opportunity to bounce back when their midweek fixture to Wimborne was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.