CHESHAM boss Steve Bateman gave his players the silent treatmant after watching them crash 4-1 at home to Salisbury on Tuesday.

Bateman decided against his usual post match teamtalk because he feared he might say something he'd regret.

Bateman, who also missed the awaiting media, told the Free Press the following day: "I think it was better for me to get away to have a think about the performance.

"If I had stayed, I may have said one or two things that I regretted. I am not one to react to individual situations.

"I was just frustrated that we hadn't done the things we had talked about before the game.

"For some reason they didn't listen and all I did after was ask them why."

Top of the table Salisbury arrived at The Meadow having conceded just three goals in eight games and were looking to extend their impressive unbeaten run.

It was always going to be a tough challenge for Chesham, however, Tuesday's contest hinged on two penalty decisions with United suffering on both counts.

Firstly, with the visitors 1-0 ahead courtesy of Matt Tubbs' eighth minute finish, the goalscorer then took a tumble in the box under the challenge of Steve Sinclair on the half hour.

The referee pointed to the spot and Craig Davis rammed home from 12 yards.

Chesham responded well after the break and got themselves back in the game when Graham Hall's superbly delivered 55th minute free kick was met by Gary Sippetts.

With Salisbury looking rattled, United pushed on and just four minutes later came the second spot kick decision which had the home players and supporters holding their heads in disbelief.

Livewire Leon Callender burst into the box and was brought down by a Salisbury defender.

But man in the middle Mr J Enamy, aptly named as far as Chesham were concerned, waved away the penalty claims and ultimately any chance United had of taking something from the game.

Their last real chance came on 65 minutes when Callender should have done better after Sippetts played him in but the youngster scuffed his shot wide.

Salisbury weathered the storm and proved why they are top with some resilient defending and superb counter attacking play.

Sales headed in a 70th minute corner to put City 3-1 up and with Chesham employing three forwards, following the introduction of John Lawford and Ben Smith, the visitors rubbed salt into the wounds when Alex Haddow slammed the ball home from close range with seven minutes remaining.

Chesham keeper Darren Bonfield had to be at his best in the closing stages but his side have now won just one in five league and cup games.

They visit Halesowen tomorrow (ko 3pm).