DANNY Gibbons has completed his move from Newport IoW to Bashley - and miraculously sprung from bottom to top of the Dr Martens Eastern Division.

While the Islanders were dumped to the foot of the pile after an unlucky 3-2 home defeat by Fisher, buoyant Bashley have breezed into pole position on the back of a 3-1 success at Dartford.

Gibbons's move for an undisclosed fee could spark more transfer activity today. Newport boss Steve Tate has been given the go-ahead to invest the cash in new signings and has lodged a £5,000 bid for Havant & Waterlooville's Island-based striker Jamie O'Rourke, who has dropped out of favour at Westleigh Park and is keen to play closer to home.

Tony Mount, Newport's director of football, confirmed: "Steve spoke to H&W chairman Derek Pope on Friday and we're waiting for them to get back to us."

The stumbling block could be the price. While H&W value O'Rourke at between £7-8,000, Mount has made it clear: "5,000 is our final offer."

Gibbons made his debut at Dartford and had an immediate impact on the Forest side, who won with goals from Mat Jones, Aaron Cook and a Craig Davis penalty.

Manager Barry Blankley reported: "Danny held the ball up well, he was fouled for our penalty and produced several flick-ons for young Richard Gillespie. The pair of them worked their socks off and looked very dangerous with Richie's pace and Danny's power."

Bash flushed the disappointment of their FA Trophy exit by Marlow clean out of their systems with a classy display that had Blankley purring: "Apart from Dartford's goal, I don't think our keeper David Elm had a save to make.

"We made plenty of chances and what pleased me most was the football that led up to them.

"Everybody pulled their weight and it was a good all-round performance."