AN historic night at the Ray Mac was marked by the new Salisbury FC sharing a 2-2 draw with AFC Totton in front of a bumper crowd of 729.

Supporters descended on Old Sarum to watch the newly-founded club play their first competitive match since the old club’s demise, who last played football at their home against Shrewton United in August, 2014.

At one point on Tuesday night it looked like Steve Claridge’s collection of trialists were going to run-out victors in the much-anticipated showdown.

The first cheer arrived in the opening 20 minutes when Ben Culley found the net.

Mark Ford put the hosts 2-0 up two minutes after the break to put the new Whites in a firm position.

But two goals in the last quarter from Stu Mott and Craig Feeney earned the Southern League Division One South and West 15th place finishers a share of the spoils.

Friday night (7.30pm) sees Claridge’s fledgling team host stand-in opposition Gosport Borough after Cardiff City Under-21s pulled out of the friendly.

Claridge has lined-up Gosport, the Hampshire side that he helped to Southern League Premier Division by scoring twice in the play-off final over Poole Town at Tatnum in 2012.

Since then the Privett Park players secured another promotion to Conference South, where they now ply their trade, and enjoyed a trip to Wembley last season for the FA Trophy final.

Alex Pike’s squad are available for the friendly after dipping out on the play-offs by three points, finishing directly below rivals Havant and Waterlooville.

After the storming midweek crowd, club chiefs are hoping to match that gate against ‘Boro.

A spokesman said: “Please remember that supporters can pay what they want for both fixtures.

“The bar will be open at the club but due to issues with the tea bars and kitchen yet to be resolved, we are unable to provide hot food.”

It’s been a busy week for the Whites as they visited the FA at Wembley headquarters on Wednesday to discuss their official application of joining a league.

They submitted their form at the end of March and are likely to hear what league they have been allocated in the next month.

Either step four or five – Wessex Premier or Southern League Division One South and West – are the most likely leagues they will be placed into.