SALISBURY have signed winger Cory Simpson from Larkhall Athletic to strengthen their quest for promotion from the Evo-Stik South West.

But Steve Claridge’s second-placed side suffered a setback tonight, beaten 3-1 at Didcot Town.

By the time Simpson appeared as a second-half sub, the damage had already been done with Didcot’s George Jeacock (2) scoring twice before Stuart Green hit back for the Whites.

Salisbury could have gone in level at the break, but Tom Whelan had a penalty saved. It was their third miss from the spot in four games.

Felipe Barcelos then made it 3-1 to the Railwaymen and, to rub salt in Whites' wounds, Kane O’Keefe was red-carded late on for a two-footed challenge.

In the Sydenhams Premier Division, second-placed Blackfield & Langley overcame a poor first-half showing to triumph 2-1 at Bashley.

The Foresters should have had more than a Conor Whiteley header to show for their first-half efforts, but were pegged back on 49 minutes when James Thomson turned in Ryan Oatley’s cross.

Five minutes later Sam Griffin’s header won it for the Watersiders, who later had Sam Poole sent off.

Team Solent, who hadn’t played since December 30, made the wait worthwhile with a 6-1 battering of Brockenhurst.

Hisham Kasimu (2), Silvano Obeng, Julian Stahler, Jemal Wiseman (penalty) and Ade Olumyiwa piled on the misery for Brock, who are now 11 league games without a win.

Late goals by Horndean’s Ash Howes and Harry Jackson saw off Baffins Milton Rovers 2-0, while Joe Bye’s early strike edged Portchester past Bournemouth Poppies 1-0.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins won 4-3 at Amesbury and it was all square, 1-1, between Shaftesbury and Portland.

Romsey Town’s Division One promotion bid remains on track after a 1-0 win at Fawley AFC – Indrit Elezi the scorer.

Totton & Eling (Nathan Gray) were held 1-1 at home by Christchurch (Will Gage), while Hythe & Dibden eased past East Cowes Vics 4-0 at Clayfields.

Gosport Borough’s depressing Evo-Stik South Premier season continued with a 7-1 home hammering by league leaders King’s Lynn – Joe Lea their sole scorer.