LITTLE separated Winchester and Salisbury in the Hampshire Area Division 1 joust.

A 2-2 draw was how it finished on the leaders' territory but Salisbury felt they did enough to wrap-up all three points having twice taken the lead.

Despite the poor weather conditions, the game got off to a good start with both teams showing their respective abilities.

The visitors opened the scoring when a three-man counter attack was completed with Tom Morton firing past the Winchester keeper.

The goal awoke the hosts, who made the most of a Salisbury sin-bin to score a drag flick from a penalty corner.

The game continued to ebb and flow until half time, with chances for both teams.

Salisbury started the second half looking much the stronger team and they restored their lead when Dom Welman smashed home a rebound.

Despite more pressure and several good chances for Salisbury, a poor piece of defending allowed Winchester to tap in an equaliser.

A yellow card for James Brewin ten minutes from time saw the home side dominate the closing proceedings.

Captain Andy Renshaw said: "We did well, we could probably have won the game but a draw was probably a fair result, in a game that was important not to lose. The work rate from the lads was tremendous and we are still in with a great chance of winning the league."

Winchester remain two points ahead, with a game in hand.

The seconds, meanwhile, stunned leaders Haslemere with a 2-1 victory, which was coincidentally their first defeat of the season.