SALISBURY Ladies Hockey missed the chance to close the gap on Swindon in West Clubs Women's Premier Division 2A after suffering a 4-2 home defeat to Jaspers.

The day got off to a bad start for the promotion-chasers when they went a goal behind after two nippy forwards broke free.

Kerry Jackson restored parity but, despite the Lower Bemerton outfit having a decent spell of possession, went behind again.

Salisbury fought back once more thanks to Pat Drage's strike to ensure they entered the interval all square at two apiece.

The second half saw both teams equipping themselves for a winner, and it was Jaspers who hit the net twice more for victory, which puts them within three points of Salisbury.

The pattern of defeat followed suit for Salisbury on the Sunday at the hands of London outfit Teddington in round three of the England Hockey Investec Trophy.

Despite a spirited effort, Salisbury crashed out following a 6-2 defeat.

Things didn't look at half time when a youthful Teddington found themselves 2-0 up.

Salisbury fought hard with the away teams high level of fitness but, after a ten-minute onslaught, they conceded three goals.

Undeterred by trailing 5-0, the hosts kept their heads and pulled back two goals through Claire Grinham before conceding another.