SALISBURY – the bookmakers’ second favourites to lift the FA Vase - continued their Wembley quest by flattening Wiltshire neighbours Calne Town in the first round proper.

The Whites brushed themselves down after their 2-1 league loss against Blackfield & Langley to see off their Western One hosts 6-2 at Bremhill View.

It was not all plain sailing for Steve Claridge’s men, however, as they went in 2-2 at half-time.

Although two Whites goals in the space of a minute atoned for the shock of Aaron Hopkins giving Calne a 17th-minute lead, there was another Hallowe’en fright to come for the Sydenhams Premier leaders.

Brandon Munday levelled things on 31 minutes and, within seconds, struck a shot against the post which skipper Kane O’Keefe netted on the rebound.

But having breathed a sigh of relief when Calne defender Marcus Lovesey headed narrowly over, Salisbury sloppily lost possession, allowing Stuart Windsor to toe-poke an equaliser past Gareth Barfoot.

The Whites emerged a different outfit in the second half and struck twice in quick succession with Sam Wilson netting Danny Young’s byline pull-back and Tom Whelan teeing up O’Keefe for his second.

With 20 minutes remaining, Claridge threw on veteran frontman Robbie Matthews who promptly made it 5-2 and it was another sub, Ashley Jarvis, who spectacularly volleyed in goal number six in time added on.

Salisbury are priced 6/1 to lift the trophy by BetVictor Hereford FC are the 4/1 favourites and Sholing, the 2014 Wembley winners, are 20/1 to claim the Vase for the second time in three years.

Andover Town exited the competition 2-1 against Newhaven at the Portway Stadium.

Trailing to a 52nd-minute opener from The Dockers, Town brought themselves back on term with a Bobby Swayne header from a corner.

But their joy lasted just two minutes as Lee Robinson plundered his second of the game for the Sussex visitors.

Andover, still second in the Sydenhams Premier Division, could go level on points with leaders Salisbury by beating Verwood Town at the Portway tomorrow (Tuesday).

Ex-Romsey marksman Danny Phillips sank a brace for the second game running as Whitchurch United were held 2-2 at home by Welton Rovers in the FA Vase. The replay is at Midsomer Norton tomorrow (Tuesday).