Salisbury’s unbeaten start to the season ended in West London at the hands of Hampton and Richmond.
In a game where both sides had spells where they were more dominant, it was a moment of luck that separated the two sides when Alex Wall charged down a David Aziaya clearance, and it rebounded into the back of the net.
Salisbury started brightly, playing the ball around and enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but he didn’t create too many good chances in the early stages.
Richmond grew into the game, playing five across midfield,. They started to see more of the ball – but, like the Whites, they didn’t do too much to threaten the goal.
Ronan Silva probably had Salisbury’s best chance of the first half, but Curd comfortably claimed his shot in the Richmond goal. The home side were mainly limited to shots from distance.
Aziaya, dealt with most crosses – but one high cross he failed to claim first time above a group of players. He looked to have held the ball at the second attempt, but it slipped from his grasp and a combination of White shirts combined to clear the ball from danger to keep the scores level at the break.
Salisbury started the second half strongly, just as they had in the first half, again without causing too many problems for Curd. Ragguette probing well down the left got in some dangerous looking crosses, but no body was able to get on the end of them, or keep their effort on target.
It looked as though both teams would struggle to make any of their chances pay as the game ticked into the final 10 minutes and then a moment changed all of that.
Alex Wall, who had only come on from the bench just moments before, chased down a Jombati backpass to Aziaya. Wall pressed the Salisbury custodian and got a foot to the attempted clearance – the ball bouncing agonisingly into the back of the Salisbury goal on 80 minutes.
Jordan Ragguette was still causing problems down the left and had a speculative effort come back of the post.
Salisbury pushed to get back into the game. Curd saved well first from Ramos, who broke into the box as the game headed for added time. His shot rebounded off the keeper with Fasanmande lurking, but Curd did well to deny the second chance, too.
Despite their effort, Salisbury were unable to take their chances and lost for the first time this season.
Up next, is the visit of Boreham Wood on Monday. The game kicks off at 3 pm. Tickets are available online – https://www.salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/
