EASTERN Division table-toppers Salisbury City are expecting a physical game at home to Rothwell Town tonight (7.45pm) - but it can't possibly be any rougher than they experienced at Fisher Athletic on Saturday.

The Docklanders are not renowned for the warmth of their East London welcome and the bruised and battered Whites couldn't wait to get back on the road after snatching a 1-0 victory.

Fisher had a man sent off for headbutting Gary Funnell and another handful booked in a highly hostile match.

Manager Nick Holmes admitted: "Without doubt it's the most physical game I've experienced as manager.

"Football-wise, Fisher looked a very useful side and I don't understand why they have to resort to those things, because they've got some decent footballers there.

"We didn't hang around long afterwards. We did the business and thought 'now we're getting out.' We were back on the coach by 5.15!"

Not only was Funnell headbutted but he ended up with an impressive collection of stud marks, too.

Even so, he should be fit to face mid-table Rothwell tonight, but midfielder Wayne Turk is doubtful with flu.

Turk and Matt Davies received their fifth bookings on Saturday for complaining about Fisher's over-physical approach and both will miss the return game at Rothwell on December 28.

Victory tonight would pull Whites three points clear of Banbury United, who are locked at the top with them on 42 points.

l Lymington & New Milton manager Graham Kemp has not given up on the Jewson Wessex League title even though he admits his side are "not in the same class" as leaders Eastleigh right now.

Reflecting on Linnets' 3-0 setback at Moneyfields on Saturday, Kemp said: "No one did themselves justice, but it's too early to hand over the title to Eastleigh.

"One bad result doesn't mean it's all over.

"If we win our game in hand, we'd only be one point behind Eastleigh. It's no major disaster at the moment, but we need to defend much better."

Linnets take a 3-0 first-leg lead to AFC Newbury tonight in the JWL Cup second round and, ironically, they could be on a collision course with Eastleigh in the quarter-finals.

full JWL Cup quarter-final draw: Alton Town or Moneyfields v Thatcham Town or Andover, Portland United or Bemerton v Brockenhurst or Downton, Christchurch or AFC Totton v Cowes Sports or Bournemouth, Lymington & New Milton or AFC Newbury v Wimborne Town or Eastleigh.

Congratulations to Alton Town, named Daily Echo JWL club-of-the-month for November.