SALISBURY FC scored twice in ten minutes to see off relegation-threatened Eastbourne and go ten points clear of the drop zone. Match report by Dexter Allison.
The day also marked a special presentation as former Salisbury player Alan Green presented Noah Coppin with a shirt to mark him becoming the club's top goal scorer.
With just a couple of chances each way in the opening half, it became a scrappy affair quickly as both sides were in desperate need of three points.
The best chance of the half fell to Noah Coppin on his weak left foot, but his attempt went wide of the mark in the 21st minute.
Salisbury manager Brian Dutton believed it was time for a change heading into the second half, replacing forward Odokonyero with midfielder Willard.
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The hosts came out swinging after the break, winning a free-kick after five minutes, and Coppin’s strike directed at the far corner rattled off the post to deny Salisbury the lead.
However, the Whites were not kept quiet for long, as just one minute later, substitute Tommy Willard made an instant impact by crossing the ball into the danger zone, which was flicked on by Coppin to be rifled into the net by Max Jolliffe to score his first goal for the club as well as break the deadlock.
The action continued as the visitors found themselves on the edge of the Salisbury box after a defensive error landed at the feet of an Eastbourne attacker, but it flew high of the mark.
The Whites were not satisfied with the one goal, with Hedges doubling their advantage before the hour mark as his finish nestled in the bottom left corner.
A great 2-0 home win for the Whites to put them ten points clear of the relegation zone. Next up is an away fixture at Torquay United on Tuesday evening.
