Salisbury City 3 Hitchin Town 2.

Scorers: City - Tubbs (2), Sales.

Hitchin: Williams, Deeney.

THE first half of the Southern League's Challenge Cup contest proved a scintillating one.

City took the lead after just nine minutes when Paul sales scored his 100th goal for the club - the result of a superb move by the hosts.

Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke set Scott Bartlett on his way. He found Matt Tubbs who played in his strike partner. Sales cut inside his marker, and passed the ball into the goal, wide of the 'keeper and in off the post.

But Whites' joy was short-lived. Inside 90 seconds Hitchin were back on level terms when Carl Williams spotted Clarke off his line, and his chipped effort had Clarke tumbling backwards and unable to divert the ball to safety.

Tubbs was in fine form and almost put City back in front on 18 minutes but custodian Paul Taylor denied him in a one-on-one encounter.

Great work again by Bartlett on 27 minutes resulted in a fine cross which was bravely headed into the goal by Tubbs who suffered a knock to his face for his endeavours. 2-1.

Yet again Hitchin showed why they are fancied to be pushing for Southern League honours when, on 33 minutes, a great run by David Deeney took him past Jon Beswetherick before he slid the ball under Clarke for their second equaliser.

Salisbury turned up the heat and deservedly restored their lead on 39 minutes when a move involving Sales and Prince ended with Tubbs cutting inside from the left and drilling the ball in to make it 3-2.

City were well in control now and two more Tubbs efforts almost increased their lead.

Half-time: 3-2.