MARVIN Brooks’s second-half goal proved decisive as Salisbury sealed a 1-0 victory away from home at Harrow Borough.

The former Poole Town man came off the bench for Brian Dutton’s side to earn them their ninth league victory of the campaign.

The win also ensured Salisbury sat fifth in Southern Premier South following the weekend’s fixtures.

Salisbury made a strong start at Earlsmead Stadium and could have taken the lead within the opening minutes.

Calvin Brooks, brother of Marvin, skipped down the right and delivered a cross for Josh Wakefield – the former Weymouth man failed to make the most of the opportunity.

Back came Harrow, who squandered a good chance themselves soon after when Isiah Noel-Williams fired off target.

Whites keeper Gerard Benfield then had to be alert in keeping the scores goalless at the interval.

The former Wimborne Town keeper got down well to deny Harrow’s George Moore, after he sent a fizzing effort at goal.

Benfield then produced some heroics to keep the game deadlocked six minutes into the second half. The gloveman came to the rescue with a fine double-save after a melee in the Salisbury area.

Boss Dutton looked to the bench and brought on Marvin Brooks and Brandon Goodship in a bid to freshen up his attacking options.

Both sides then came within inches of breaking the deadlock as the contest began to open up in the second half.

Moore rattled the woodwork with a strike for the hosts before Dan Fitchett’s effort at the other end also clipped the upright.

But it was Salisbury who found their winner with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Fitchett got away from his man out wide and teed up Marvin Brooks to bundle into the net from close range.

Benfield was then asked to do more to keep his clean sheet intact, the keeper denied Billy Leonard in the latter stages.

Victory took Salisbury to 29 points from their 20 league games.

The Whites are next in action against Hendon at the Ray Mac on Saturday (1pm).