John Robson thoroughly enjoyed his debut as Bashley manager, even though the Foresters frittered away a two-goal lead against Marlow in the FA Trophy preliminary round.

From sitting pretty on first-half goals from Richard Gillespie and Michael Jackson, Bash were pegged back to 2-2 by their Ryman League visitors and have it all to do again in tomorrow's replay.

Although he was officially appointed successor to Barry Blankley two weeks ago, a family holiday prevented Robson from taking up the reins until Saturday and he admitted: "The players have had a lot of ups and downs recently what with Barry leaving and so many injuries in the camp and, taking everything into account, I'm pleased with their response.

"I've only had three sessions with them, but they''re a super bunch of lads and I'm fortunate it should be like that."

Bash took just nine minutes to edge ahead when Jackson flicked on skipper Craig Davis's throw for young Gillespie to head home at the near post. Jackson got the second himself on 24 minutes with a superb header from a free kick.

But, from a position of power, Bash took their foot off the gas and blew their chance of avenging defeat by Marlow at the same stage of the competition last year.

John Beale's header and a Shane Small free-kick levelled the scores before Marlow's Bobby Wilkinson saw red with 12 minutes to go.

Bash almost nicked it, but Davis's 'winner' was ruled out by the linesman's flag against Gillespie, who was running back on-side.

Robson reflected: "Sometimes a new manager has to wait five or six games to see the good and bad sides of his team but for me it happened all in one match.

"We had an outstanding 45 minutes and for the other 45 we were just standing!

"It wasn't poor play, it was just that we came off our game instead of imposing ourselves and Marlow decided to have a go at us. It was more to do with our attitude than ability."