SALISBURY boss Steve Claridge felt Tuesday's penalty miss at Didcot Town was the turning point in the Whites' 3-1 Evo-Stik South West defeat.

Stuart Green had pulled it back to 2-1 from 2-0 down when Tom Whelan stepped up to the spot. But the Railwaymen's keeper Leigh Bedwell foiled him from 12 yards and a further goal from Felipe Barcelos meant the second-placed Whites returned home empty-handed.

"Had we scored the penalty it would have levelled things at half-time and I felt we would have gone on and won the game," said Claridge.

"I cannot fault the workrate from the players, but Didcot defended well and we have to move on."

Salisbury are still well placed, seven points clear of third spot heading into Saturday's test at play-off hopefuls Swindon Supermarine.

New signing Cory Simpson, a winger from Larkhall Athletic, could be in line for his first start having come off the bench at Didcot.

"He is a good addition to the squad and gives us more options at this stage of the season," said Claridge.

"Cory is quick, strong and left-footed, which will add to our skill set as a team.

"He’ll stretch teams and he’s got the pace to go by people. He’ll certainly make the Ray Mac pitch big for visiting teams.”

Claridge added: "We have our noses in front of the chasing pack at the moment but, if anything, it is easier to get there and now harder to stay there."