THE gap between the Evo-Stik South West’s top two remains at eight points after a 2-2 draw between second-placed Salisbury and leaders Taunton Town at the Ray Mac.

Watched by a 768-strong crowd, Salisbury were ahead in little over a minute when Stuart Green turned home Danny Young’s low cross to stun the Peacocks.

Taunton hit back at the double when Shane White and Matt Wright headed home from setpieces, but ex-Winchester City skipper Green had the last word when he followed up after George Colson’s header from Lewis Benson’s free-kick had been saved.

With Owen Howe suspended and fellow striker Luke Hopper injured, Salisbury have welcomed Zack Kotwica back to the club.

Kotwica, 22, impressed in a loan spell earlier in the season from Gloucester City and had since signed for National League North outfit Tamworth.

“Zack came to us on loan from Gloucester in November and did well,” said Claridge.

“When we heard Tamworth might be willing to let him go, we made a move.

“I was looking at maybe getting him for next season to add to our strike force, but the opportunity arising was timely for us with a temporary shortage up front, so I took the chance while it was there. I think he enjoyed his time with us earlier this season and, fair play to the lad, he’s taking a sizeable pay cut to come here.”

Salisbury are ten points clear of third-placed Wimborne who won 3-1 at Kidlington thanks to a hattrick from their unstoppable goal Salisbury hero Stuart Green machine Toby Holmes