BARRY Blankley's first game in charge of Salisbury City ended in a 4-1 home defeat by Northwood, keeping the wilting Whites fifth to bottom of the Ryman Premier Division.

It was a personal disaster for Matt Holmes - son of absent general manager, Nick - who, having come on as a 32nd-minute substitute for Glenn Howes, was sent off for a late tackle on Mark Dennison in first-half stoppage time with the score at 1-1.

Dean Clark had put Northwood ahead after only three minutes following a weak header out by the Salisbury defence.

But Whites got back on terms midway through the half when Robbie Matthews's long-range shot took a wicked bounce over the keeper - his first Salisbury goal since rejoining the club.

City, again deprived of injured striker Matt Tubbs, held strong with ten men until the 70th minute, when skipper Scott Bartlett conceded a free-kick that Clark drove beyond the unsighted Kevin Sawyer.

Eleven minutes later, Clark's corner was flicked on to the bar and Rory Smith powered the rebound low through a packed penalty area to make it 3-1.

It got worse for Salisbury on 87 minutes when Andy Cook missed a tackle and Steve Hale burst down the right before squaring for Anthony Finn to finish.