A powerful 38th-minute strike from Matt Geard gave Burgess Hill victory in their crucial clash with Salisbury.

It was a superb result for the hosts who were without top goal scorers Steve Harper and Nicky Sullivan.

The visitors looked dangerous early on as home goalkeeper Paul Stark denied striker Matthew Tubbs from point blank range.

Four minutes later the crossbar came to Hillians rescue following an audacious chip from the unfortunate Tubbs.

Hillians created several chances before Geard struck the vital blow, a left-footer from 18 yards which found the bottom corner with the aid of a slight deflection.

Both sides squandered opportunities in a tense second half. Visiting midfielder Glenn Howes fired against the inside of the post before substitute Adam Wallace tapped wide of an open goal but Hillians held on for the win.