SALISBURY squandered a stack of chances but managed to cling on for a 3-2 FA Cup preliminary round win over Fareham Town.

George Coulson headed the Whites into an early lead before their 51-year-old player/boss Steve Claridge – a one-time Fareham player - was brought down for a penalty, but Tom Whelan had his spot kick saved.

Skipper Kane O’Keefe eventually made it 2-0, heading home Claudio Herbert’s cross, but the Sydenhams Premier Division visitors were far from finished.

Curt Robbins pulled one back with a low drive and, although Danny Young restored Salisbury’s two-goal cushion after 74 minutes, Whites were left hanging on in a tense finale after Simon Woods had struck from the spot after being brought down.

With first-choice keeper Luke Douglas unavailable, Fareham handed a debut to 47-year-old former Winchester City keeper Dave Hook who pulled off a string of superlative saves for Pete Stiles’ men.