Salisbury FC got 2024 off to a great start following a 4-2 win against Tiverton Town.
A Noah Coppin hat-trick followed Dan Fitchett's opener as the Whites moved to within 2 points of Chesham United, who drew their match.
The away side got off to a good start and hit the bar on 12 minutes. Josh Jones rose to head a free kick goalwards, with his effort coming back off the bar - however, he was flagged offside.
As the half drew on, the game became more even and end to end, and it was eventually Salisbury who broke the deadlock.
Salisbury worked the ball well down the right-hand side, with Josh Hedges putting a great ball into the box. Dan Fitchett did the rest, heading home at the back post on 38 minutes.
Salisbury's goal-keeping issues took another bad turn when Gunstone-Grey was fouled at the end of the half, falling badly and dislocating his shoulder. Once again, it meant that Theo Lewis would become an emergency 'keeper as the game reached halftime.
One-nil up, Salisbury then doubled their lead as the second half was 18 minutes old.
His first of Noah Coppin's hat-trick came after some dogged work from Josh Hedges as he battled his way into the box. Coppin applied the finish as the ball fell to him.
Three minutes later, it was a brace for Coppin as Ryan Penny threaded a lovely ball to put Coppin in one-on-one with the 'keeper, and he cooly slotted home.
Jack Rice got one back from Tivvy with a sweet left-footed strike in the 71st minute.
Salisbury wrapped the game up in the final minutes as they were awarded a penalty. Sido Jombati, the usual penalty taker, stepped aside, allowing Noah Coppin the chance for his hat trick.
Coppin stepped up and stroked the ball into the top corner.
Tiverton grabbed a late equaliser as a well-struck, low free kick from River Allen found its way through a body of players into the far post beyond makeshift 'keeper Theo Lewis.
AFC Totton are the next visitors to the Ray Mac on Saturday (13th January) with a 3 pm kick-off. Tickets are available on the club website - https://salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/
Feature Image: Andrew Palk
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