Bashley came unstuck 2-1 at home to second-placed King's Lynn on Saturday.

Defender Paul Gazzard's trip on Malcolm Ndekwe invited Carl Holmes to send Bash 'keeper Mike Hookway the wrong way from the spot on 11 minutes. The Foresters had a potential Andy Culliford equaliser disallowed for offside but drew level from the spot on 56 minutes after Culliford had been pushed in the back. Ollie Cherrett's initial kick was parried but the former Dorchester man slotted in the rebound.

Bashley's joy was shortlived. Three minutes later the Linnets sealed a deserved victory when Holmes volleyed home at the far post.

Newport IoW have taken stick this season for performing poorly and winning. At Stamford on Saturday they managed the total opposite, playing well in a 1-0 defeat - and manager Steve Tate knows which outcome he prefers.

"Anyone who says they get satisfaction from playing well even though they've lost is talking nonsense," he said. "I'd rather play rubbish and get the points. I can't knock our players for Saturday's performance. We controlled 95 per cent of the game against a decent side."

The crunch moment came in the 73rd minute. Port 'keeper Simon Arthur punched away a Ryan Nash cross, but only as far as Kevin Ainslie, who fired home right-footed.

After seeing his side overcome lowly Corby Town 2-0, Salisbury manager Nick Holmes said: "This was always going to be the most difficult game of the season to get the lads up for. Corby came here, set out their stall and hoped to get something from breakaways, just as we tried to do at Hillsborough last Sunday.

The Steelmen nullified Whites' efforts in the first half with only Josh Thomas and Steve Strong threatening the visitors' goal, while Corby's Richard Challinor went close with a header and Salisbury goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer looked unsure fielding a Brian Hardy strike.

Whites started the second period in determined mood and on 51 minutes, Matt Tubbs got their first goal when he swivelled and despatched the ball past keeper Richard Lavin.

Strong missed a good chance on 66 minutes but three minutes later received a great ball from Matt Davies before setting up Tubbs again.

Holmes added: "The team showed great character and determination and our football shone through for 20 to 25 minutes in the second half. That was enough to win it.

Matt Tubbs has signed a contract for the Whites which will keep him at the club until the end of season 2004/2005.