SALISBURY FC'S poor start to 2023 continued with a second consecutive defeat - this time on the road to Swindon Supermarine. 

Former Whites forward Hnery Spalding did the damage, scoring the only goal of the game in the second half. 

On a difficult surface due to heavy rain, both sides found it hard to find their rhythm. 

An early chance for Salisbury saw Supermarine keeper Josh Gould deny Salisbury captian Dan Fitchett. 

From Swindon's first attack, a long throw from Ryan Campbell on the left was flicked back to top scorer Harry Williams but he skied the effort way over the Salisbury crossbar.

On fifteen minutes a mix-up between Josh Gould and Tom Sharpe nearly let in the visitors but the Salisbury effort also went over the top of the crossbar. 

After a free kick was awarded to Salisbury from a foul by Joe Tumelty, Salisbury were then given a free kick in a dangerous area on the edge of the Marine penalty box. Brandon Goodship stepped up to take the freekick but his effort was saved away by Josh Gould. 

Just before the hour mark, a slip at the back from Josh Sommerton saw Marine's top scorer Harry Williams race away and set up Henry Spalding on the right wing to score the opening goal. Spalding come in from the wing and curled a low shot along the ground and into the far corner of the net to score. 1-0 going into the break. 

There was a pitch inspection at half-time due to further heavy rain, but the game continued.  

The Whites were unable to carve out a chance in the second half to get themselves back in the game, and Swindon held on for all three points in what could be a crucial win in the race for the play-offs. 

The Whites do not have a game this weekend. They had been due to play Highworth Town away on Tuesday night in the Wiltshire Premier League, but the match was postponed due to the weather.

The game will now be played on Wednesday, January 18, at 7.45pm. 

They then host Gosport Borough at home on January 21, at 3pm. 

Salisbury are currently 11th in the Southern League Premier South, on 33 points from 25 games, having won 10, drawn three and lost 12. They currently sit four points adrift of the play-off places, but several teams around them have games in hand.