SALISBURY missed the chance to overtake play-off rivals Tiverton Town in third place after losing the hotly-contested showdown 2-0 in Devon.

A goal in either half from Jamie Price ended Whites' nine-match winning run in Southern League Division One South and West.

Price's opener came with just 22 seconds played - one of the fastest goals scored in league history. After Levy Landricombe's shot was blocked, the Tivvy midfielder finished from close-range.

Without star striker Justin Bennett, who is out with a hamstring injury, Whites came close to restoring parity when Lewis Benson's 25-yard free kick missed the top corner by a matter of inches before Adam Flint's fast cross eluded everyone apart from Claudio Herbert, who couldn't connect.

First half substitute Taurean Roberts made an immediate impact with two chances. He sent a left-footed shot past the post and then headed wide when Tommy Wright had capitalised on a loose ball.

However, Whites received a sucker punch on 73 minutes when the hosts doubled their lead thanks to Price whose curling effort beat the dive of Alex Bass.

Owen Howe had chances to extend their lead but it ended 2-0.

The blow could prove costly as Whites remain in fourth position, four points behind Tiverton and six adrift of Taunton Town, but with a game in hand on both teams.

Leaders Hereford beat North Leigh 4-1 to preserve their 13-point cushion at the summit.

And if they prevail at Salisbury on Saturday (3pm), which is an all-ticket game, and Taunton lose at Evesham United and Tiverton slip-up at Wimborne, the Bulls will be declared league champions.