CALNE Town chief Neurin Jones says there were plenty of positives to take after his side pushed county giants Salisbury all the way in the first round proper.

The Wessex League Premier Division table toppers are on the march back up the pyramid, meaning a tough afternoon was always in store for Calne.

However, there was nothing between the sides early on and the hosts actually broke the deadlock through Aaron Hopkins.

Although a quickfire double put Salisbury in front, Calne restored parity before the break when Stu Windsor hit the back of the net.

Steve Claridge’s visitors then showed their class after the break and four unanswered goals gave the scoreline a one-sided feel.

Calne boss Jones, however, could not fault the effort put in by his troops.

“In the first half we were superb. We matched them all over the park. For 30 minutes there was only one team in it,” said Jones.

“They are a very, very good team but we were absolutely superb. In that first half-hour we were much the better team, we got a goal and could really have had a couple.

“We conceded two goals in two minutes and that really took it out of us. We managed to steady the ship and get an equaliser before half-time so to go in at 2-2, I was so happy.

“We came out for the second half and they scored straight away, pretty much from the kick-off and from there it was all over for us really. We still battled, worked hard and tried our best but their skill and quality shone through and it was tough for us.

“We can take a lot of positives from the game as we matched a real quality side for 45 minutes. There was a big crowd there and overall it was a good day for the club to be involved in a game like that.”

The defeat means Calne’s cup interest is over for the season and Jones hopes solely focussing on the league will help them move up the table.

“We have lost the last three so we have got to look to get back on the right track in the league,” said Jones, whose side host Cheddar on Saturday.

“We have no other distractions now so hopefully that will help us.”