TOM Morton struck a late winner as Salisbury Hockey firsts edged a topsy-turvy clash with Aldershot and Farnham to consolidate second place in Hampshire Area Division 1.

The front-runner twice found the net in the Lower Bemerton outfit's second 3-2 win - their second on the bounce - which gave their promotion hopes a welcome boost.

Morton's first came after the visitors had struck the opener.

With Nick Easterbrook tackled in midfield and, with Salisbury pressing high, Aldershot & Farnham were able to pass around the few remaining Salisbury defenders and beat goalkeeper Lewis Gunstone-Gray.

Morton replied with a reverse stick finish from a tight angle before Jon Powell

gave Salisbury the lead before half time with a deflection on a penalty corner.

The lead was cancelled out 15 minutes from time when, some poor defending, allowed them to dart through and divert a second past Gunstone-Gray.

Aldershot, who sit one place off rock-bottom, seemed happy to settle for a point but the hosts hadn't had their final say with waves of pressure.

And Salisbury were rewarded when Morton grabbed a second to secure the three points.

Captain Andy Renshaw said: "We had to work hard to control the game but it was a well-deserved win."

Victory on Saturday over Winchester will see them overtake the league leaders at the summit.

Talking ahead of the crunch clash, Renshaw added: "We are pushing hard for promotion and this weekend will probably determine whether we can win the league."