HOT property Dan Demkiv came to Salisbury FC's mercy from the substitutes' bench to record a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Fawley.

The lighting quick winger, introduced late on, was the catalyst Whites required to stretch their lead at the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division summit to five points.

He brought relief to the Ray Mac, and the 520 supporters, when his menacing cross in the 85th minute found free-scoring Sam Wilson, who netted his 12th of the term.

That goal made it less nervy for Steve Claridge's men and allowed them to nudge into a two-goal lead.

Demkiv broke clear, using his speed to weave away from the Fawley defence, and beat the keeper for a second deep into stoppage time.

The 18-year-old, Claridge's fourth summer signing after being released from a two-year scholarship deal at Saints FC, made it Whites' 11th win in 10 matches (all competitions).

The Melksham teenager would have hoped he's staked his claim for a starting spot in Saturday's Wiltshire Senior Cup first round tie at Wroughton.

So far, Demkiv has made just five starts from 13 games, replacing like-for-like winger Claudio Herbert.

He created a spark in midfield in the first half, testing the visitors who haven't won since August, setting up front pair Ashley Jarvis and Wilson.

Whites' next league game is away at Moneyfields, the city where Steve Claridge Football Foundation operates, on Tuesday night (7.45pm).