Lymington & New Milton have apologised to AFC Bournemouth for any insinuation of improper conduct surrounding their interest in Linnets left-back Pete Smith.

Bournemouth manager Sean O'Driscoll is angry that Cherries have been portrayed as the big, bad wolf of the local football scene since news broke that they were casting an eye over the talented 19-year-old.

Lymington boss Ian Robinson said the League One club's interest had unsettled the player and there were even false rumours doing the rounds that Bournemouth had spoken to Smith's father without Linnets' consent.

But O'Driscoll is adamant it was Lymington who approached the Cherries and not the other way round and he last week rang the Sydenhams Wessex League outfit demanding the record be set straight.

John Mills, chairman of Lymington & New Milton said: "I accept Bournemouth haven't made an illegal approach for Pete Smith and, as far as I'm concerned, that's an end to the matter.

"If we caused any offence to Bournemouth, then I apologise."

Far from wanting to alienate themselves from their non-league neighbours, Bournemouth have always prided themselves on forging strong local links.

O'Driscoll said: "In my time at the club we have tried to foster good relations with all our local clubs, both junior and senior.

"This season we have loaned players to Dorchester, Wimborne and Poole Town and have always tried to accommodate requests for pre-season friendlies.

"For Lymington & New Milton to accuse us of trying to entice or unsettle one of their players is disappointing and totally untrue.

"To put the record straight, the initial contact regarding Pete Smith came from Lymington & New Milton themselves and, having watched him play, the only other conversation that has gone on has been between my chief scout Mike Corderoy and the Lymington chairman John Mills.

"At no point have we contacted the player himself or his parents and we would not do so. We have enjoyed a close relationship with Lymington over the past two years as they have allowed us to stage our reserve matches at their ground. We would do nothing to jeopardise the situation by such actions."

Smith has also been watched by Cheltenham Town, Portsmouth and Cardiff City but, so far, none of them has followed their interest up.

Bashley have been drawn at home to Wessex League high-fliers Gosport Borough in the quarter-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Holders Farnborough Town entertain Basingstoke in the battle of the north Hampshire big guns, while Stockbridge - through to the last eight for the first time in their 111-year history - face Vase winners Winchester City.

Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final draw (ties to be played on or before February 5): Andover v Aldershot Town, Bashley v Gosport Borough, Farnborough Town v Basingstoke Town, Stockbridge v Winchester City.