BIRTHDAY boy Steve Claridge watched injury-hit Salisbury close in on the Sydenhams Premier title with a 2-1 win at Lymington Town on Saturday.

After Will Tickle's early opener, Ashley Jarvis and Taurean Roberts struck to wrap up an 18th league win on the trot for the Whites - the day before the Salisbury boss turned 50.

Victory at Hamworthy United tomorrow (Tuesday) would leave the Whites needing one point against Horndean on Thursday (now rearranged to be played at the Ray Mac) to be crowned champions.

Whites are 15 points clear of nearest challengers Blackfield & Langley, who need to win all of their remaining six away games - and make up a goal difference of 48 - to stand any chance of stopping the runaway leaders.

Salisbury made a slow start at Lymington, falling into arrears after seven minutes when Tickle pulled the trigger from 25 yards and his shot cannoned in off the post.

The lead was short-lived, though, as Whites hit back two minutes later.

Ashley Jarvis chased the ball down in the area and his cross-shot looped over 'keeper Stuart Williamson for his 22nd goal of the season.

After Salisbury had had two penalty appeals waved away, the advantage could have swung in the home side's favour when a half-chance fell to Brad Strickland, but he squandered it.

Instead, Whites made the pressure count on 56 minutes when Taurean Roberts controlled Sam Roberts’ accurate crossfield pass before sending a low drive into the near corner.

Third-placed Andover Town extended their unbeaten league run to 14 games at the 4-1 expense of third-to-bottom Fawley.

Young hat-trick hero Charlie Gunson stole the show amid rain and hail at the Portway, with 43-year-old defender Ashley Vickers heading the other. Lewis Ross struck for the Oilers from the penalty spot.