Whites held at home by Dagenham

Salisbury were held to a stalemate for the second game in a row at the start of the new season at home against Dagenham and Redbridge.

Brian Dutton's side have made an unbeaten start to the season, with a second consecutive goalless draw, this time against Dagenham and Redbridge. 

Once again, Salisbury saw much of the ball, with the home side seeing having around 60% of possession in a match, but were again unable to break the deadlock after creating chances. 

It was the home side who created the best early chance, when Ollie Bray rose highest to meet a Josh Sommerton cross; however, his header went just the wrong side of the upright in the 15th minute. 

The game ebbed and flowed with good defending on show from both teams, then Dagenham created two opportunities in quick succession. 

First, in the 28th minute, Hemmings found a little space on the edge of Salisbury's box; however, he saw his effort hit the bar. Just a minute later, Dagenham threatened again, but the shot was straight at Will Buse in the Whites' goal. 

The game opened up a little, and Salisbury went straight down the end, with Evander Grubb feeding Matt Briggs. The Salisbury wideman, though, couldn't quite bring the ball under his spell, and Howes did well to come out and gather. 

Dagenham countered once more, and Buse did well to narrow the angle and deny Hemmings as his slipped his marker in the box. 

It was Salisbury who had the final chance of the half. The ball dropped to Briggs in the area, and the wideman volleyed goalwards. However, Howes was able to move his feet and make the save, ensuring parity at half-time. 

Dutton made one change at half-time with Josh Keeya coming on to replace Ollie Bray.

Dagenham created the first opening of the second half in the 53rd minute when they did well down the left-hand side to get into the box, however, Taylor Foran and Buse combined well to snuff out the chance. 

Salisbury had to wait until the 70th minute before their first shot on target in the half, Grubb shooting from the edge of the box after some good buildup play down the left. It was a comfortable save for Howes. 

There were big penalty shouts from the home players and supporters when, in the 77th minute, Noah Coppin, on as a second-half sub, appeared to be pulled back as he looked to get on the end of a ball. The referee had a long, hard look before waving away the appeals. 

Both sides created half-chances as the game headed to its conclusion, but were unable to get shots on target to test either keeper and the game ended goalless. 

Up next for Salisbury is another home game on Tuesday evening, with Bath City the visitors for a 7:45 kick-off. Tickets can be purchased online in advance - https://salisburyfc.ticketco.events/uk/en