DESPITE having only 11 senior players available, Salisbury FC bounced back from their Taunton disappointment with a competent display as they won at Paulton Rovers 2-0.

The Whites injury list grew further in the week, leaving Steve Claridge with the bare minimum for the trip to Winterfield Road, the bench being occupied by four Development Team players.

The Whites started the match with some velocity, Owen Howe fired in the opener spectacularly from a tight angle, across goal.

The former Tiverton man has now netted four goals in the first three appearances for his new side.

The visitors doubled their lead after 17 minutes, when utility player Eddie Perrett, playing at left back fired an effort in on the half volley past Paulton stopper Alexis Andre.

Paulton were awarded a lifeline when Aaron Dawson needlessly fouled the tricky Josh Morgan Williams. James Byrne stepped up and saw his effort easily saved by Charlie Searle.

The hosts we’re reduced to 10 men just before the break, Josh Cann saw red after picking up two cynical yellow cards in a matter of minutes. Despite a spirited performance from Paulton, who made the Whites work for their points, they never really had a clear look in for the rest of the match.

Steve Claridge’s side shut up shop and only one change was needed when scorer Eddie Perrett picked up an impact injury from a challenge, which saw Josh Sommerton enter the play on 66 minutes.

Salisbury: Searle, Herbert, Perrett (Sommerton 66), S Roberts, Wheeler, Wannell, Benson, Dawson, Howe, Green, Young.

Subs not used: Rayfield, Burden, T Roberts.

Goalscorer Owen Howe said: "The game was a big one for us after Saturdays loss to Taunton and I think we responded well, it’s a tough place to go this time of year when the pitch isn’t great, and they are fighting for points at the bottom.

"So, a 2-0 win away from home is a great result and puts us back to where we want to be.

"Paulton have always been the same, they are a tough team and hard to break down and fair play to them even with 10 men they made it hard for us.

"Obviously being a striker and joining a new club it’s always nice to get off the mark as early as possible, so to get four in three is nice of course.

"Before joining, I was looking out for Salisbury’s results all season and we’ve drew and lost a few more than they would have wanted so hopefully I can be the man to turn them loses and draws into wins and get this great club back to where they want to be."