The first five minutes of the game were uneventful, with both teams waiting for the other to make a mistake.
In the 6th minute, Aiden Elliot-Wheeler broke forward and took the ball just outside the home team’s box, where Jordan Thompson received a pass. His shot was deflected to Josh Hedges, who expertly found the bottom corner.
After the goal, St Albans dominated possession, but Salisbury’s solid defense prevented them from creating any real chances.
In the 22nd minute, Salisbury threatened again. Tom Leggett gained possession in midfield and lofted a ball over the St Albans defense to Noah Coppin, who took it to the byline and sent a cross to the back post, but no one was there to capitalize.
In the 28th minute, Josh Hedges played in Aiden Elliot-Wheeler, who calmly slotted the ball past Michael Johnson to make it 2-0.
Salisbury then found it relatively easy to bypass St Albans’ defense. A quick, short corner ended with Josh Hedges finding defender Josh Sommerton, who headed into the far corner.
Just before halftime, the hosts seemed to create their first chance with a low cross, but Tom Leggett cleared the danger, ensuring Salisbury’s 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw St Albans push to get back into the game, with two headed attempts from substitute Makise Evans going over the bar.
A quiet ten-minute spell followed, but Josh Hedges’ great work in the box led to a chance for Noah Coppin, who scored his first National League South goal for Salisbury.
However, Salisbury’s four-goal lead was short-lived, as Makise Evans scored two minutes later (59’), pulling one back for St Albans.
After the goal, Salisbury made some changes, with Aaron McCreadie replacing Ryan Penny, followed by the introductions of Craig Fasanmade and Ronan Silva.
In the 75th minute, St Albans found the net again, with Ken Charles heading in from a corner.
Despite St Albans’ momentum, Salisbury kept their defense alert. Jordan Thomas had a chance but fired over after some clever footwork.
A tired spell of play saw keeper Michael Johnson give the ball away to Ronan Silva, who attempted a lob into the empty St Albans net but missed the target.
Six minutes of added time were indicated, and a minute into stoppage time, St Albans closed the gap even further. Shaun Jeffers flicked on a cross, making the game tense.
Dutton responded by bringing on defender Luke Wilkinson for the tiring Josh Hedges.
In the final moments, Phil Chinedu made a reckless challenge on Aaron McCreadie, earning himself a red card. Salisbury held on to secure a nervy win for their traveling fans.
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