SALISBURY endured a stern pre-season test at The Camrose Stadium on Saturday after being soundly beaten 6-2 by Basingstoke Town, writes Thom Belk.

The 'Stoke, until last season a National League South Side, showed their superiority with a series of neat and well-orchestrated moves to leave the Whites 4-1 down at the break.

The visitors had taken an early lead as trialist Tommy Wright met a cross from summer signing Lewis Benson. For the next ten minutes Salisbury looked dangerous and threatened to double the score.

However, poor marking and an abundance of space given to Basingstoke on their right side signalled the start of a procession of goals for the home team. Aaron Redford and George Hallahan both went in at the break with two goals a piece.

Salisbury tried to get back into the match but Basingstoke didn’t relent, the introduction of star man Justin Bennett and other first team regulars Eddie Perrett and Danny Young proved too little too late.

Richie Whittingham and Matt Partidge both scored second half goals despite a late consolation from Wright who added his second from a corner.

After an impressive two goal performance Wright was snapped-up by manager Steve Claridge on a season-long loan from Sutton United.

Salisbury: Searle, Colson, Leigh, Whelan, Walker, Wheeler, Herbert, Benson, Gondoh, Wright, Mundy

Subs: Bennett, Perrett, Atkins. Dawes, Flint, Young, Ball.