SALISBURY City are resigned to spending at least another season in the Eastern Division of the Dr Martens League despite taking maximum points from two games in the space of three days, writes Mike Turner.

In-form Whites beat Ashford Town in spectacular fashion on Saturday, but results elsewhere ensured Dorchester Town and Eastbourne Borough will be playing Premier Division football next season.

Following Monday's 2-0 success at St Leonards, City currently sit in third place with a game to play.

The three points they had deducted for playing an ineligible player earlier this year now look to have proved the deciding factor in their failure to finish in the top two.

However disappointed manager Nick Holmes must feel at not securing promotion back to the Premier Division in his first season in charge, he can take heart from the standing ovation fans gave him in recognition of his and his team's efforts, as he left the field after Saturday's win.

Perhaps more telling than the points deducted was the fact that City failed to beat three of their main rivals during the campaign.

They managed only a point from six in their two games against the impressive trio of Dorchester Town, Eastbourne Borough and Bashley.

Despite the setback, the vast majority of supporters will feel delighted with the club's progress both on and off the field this term.

Back in July the club came perilously close to folding and was almost withdrawn from the league.

Attendances are on the up - more than 800 turned out for their recent clash with Bashley - and a number of end of season money-spinning events are planned at the club.

City fans have one last chance to salute their heroes when they entertain Swindon Supermarine on Mon-day in the Wiltshire Premier Shield Final at Old Sarum, kick off 3pm.