FOLLAND Sports bowed out of the FA Vase 4-1 at Salisbury on Saturday – but only after they had given Steve Claridge’s pedigree side some first-half food for thought.

Having fallen behind to an early Sam Wilson goal, the Planemakers levelled with a Jamie Craven free-kick to go in 1-1 at half-time.

But they could so easily have had their noses in front had Alex Sheath not hit the bar from two yards out.

“Jamie Craven sent in a free kick, no one got near it and Alex Sheath came through from the back and got a toe to it. He should have scored,” said Follands boss Dave Herbert.

“Jamie then scored with a free kick he bent round the wall and he deserved that. He’d been practising free kicks in training.”

Salisbury skipper Kane O’Keefe capitalised on a mistake to put the home side back in front, Wilson blasted home a free kick for his second of the game and ex-Follands striker Ashley Jarvis rounded off victory for Claridge’s men.

“Fitness played a part, Salisbury are a very fit side,” said Herbert. “But we were missing our two main strikers, Paul Olawuni and Cain Prentice – take them out of the equation and it’s hard work.

“I was a bit disappointed that only ten turned up for training before a big Vase game like this. Normally we’re guaranteed 18 but nerves or excuses got to them. I rested a couple because I thought the occasion might be a bit too much for them.”

Herbert, who turns 32 on Saturday, will be hoping to celebrate his birthday with a home win over Hamworthy United in the Sydenhams Premier.