SWINDON Supermarine lost 4-2 to Salisbury on Saturday after a 10-day absence from Southern League Premier South action.

Lee Spalding’s men started brightly at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium and went a goal up through Zach Kotwica before a disastrous 10 minutes near the end of the first half cost the Swindon side dear.

As a result of the defeat, Marine dropped down to seventh - though they remain one point outside of the play-offs.

Following a controversial yellow card for Harry Williams in the 10th minute after appearing to be fouled inside the box, the visitors took the lead anyway nine minutes later.

Marine took full advantage of adventurous play from the hosts as Kotwica cut in from the left and steered a shot along the ground and into the corner to beat Marcus Beauchamp.

Despite the positive start, Spalding’s men conceded four times in 11 minutes to put the game beyond reach. Ollie Knowles struck from the edge of the box to equalise in the 27th minute before Jack Ball headed home a short corner moments later.

Antonio Diaz scored a superb solo goal in the 36th minute, and three minutes after that it was four for Salisbury when Sam Ashton headed over Martin Horsell following a right-wing cross.

Marine - left with little choice - went for broke in the second half but could only manage to pull one goal back through substitute Conor McDonagh in the 67th minute.

Marine return to action away at Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday night.

HIGHWORTH TOWN

Elsewhere, Highworth Town made it three wins in a row in Southern League Division One South following a 2-0 success at home to Mangotsfield United.

Harrison Edwards followed up his hat-trick last week with a fine finish in the seventh minute, latching onto a through ball from Felipe Barcelos.

Ross Adams’ side made the game safe in added time when a misdirected defensive header sailed over Pike’s head and Barcelos ensured the ball crossed the line.

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN

Meanwhile, Royal Wootton Bassett Town booked their place in the FA Vase first round with a 3-1 second-qualifying round victory away at Western League Division One side, Portishead Town.

Tommy Ouldridge had initially opened the scoring for Bassett, only for the hosts to equalise 10 minutes later. Debutant John Mills’ half-time introduction proved decisive though as he came on to win a penalty that Alan Griffin netted. Mills then scored one of his own to wrap up victory.