Clinton Moore was gutted not to have marked his return to the Crawley front line with a hat-trick last night.

The 23-year-old's two second-half goals were enough to kill off 10-men Salisbury at Broadfield Stadium.

Moore, who has been playing in midfield since returning from Burgess Hill last month, received a standing ovation when he was taken off with a minute left.

But he said: "I'm gutted not to have got a hat-trick. After putting two away, I was determined to get it.

"Perhaps I tried too hard in the end, but at least we got three points which is the main thing."

It was an important Dr Martens League Premier Division result for Reds after the 7-0 mauling at Bath.

Moore insists that was a one off. "We've got the management and self belief to get away from trouble," he said.

"We certainly paid the fans back for that result tonight."

Visitors Salisbury were dealt two knockout blows inside the opening half hour.

First, Ian Payne converted a 19th-minute penalty after skipper Andy Taylor had been sent tumbling by Roger Emms.

Then they were reduced to 10 men when keeper Justin Shuttleworth received his marching orders for handling new signing Lee Docherty's through-ball outside the penalty area.

Striker Danny Rofe deputised and did well to keep Crawley out before half time with a series of saves from Simon Ullathorne and Moore. Ullathorne had also struck the right post with the visitors still reeling.

Smith's men though were fortunate to keep their lead intact by the break after Martin Shepherd struck the woodwork in a melee.

Rofe's resistance was ended when Jay Lovett placed a shot under his body four minutes after the restart.

The right winger was put through by Curtis Johnson's header forward.

Moore extended Crawley's lead on 56 minutes when he ran on to a perfectly-waited Johnson pass before thumping home from 16 yards.

A 20-yard half volley from Tyronne Bowers 11 minutes later reduced the deficit.

Moore added his second with another great shot across Rofe after a fine run on to Lionel Best's slide rule pass.

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