Eight in a row as Bashley march continues

Newport 0 Bashley 4

BASHLEY chalked up their eighth successive league win on Tuesday night to keep up the pressure on the league's top two sides in the promotion race. They produced a solid and professional team performance to defeat local rivals Newport IoW and thoroughly deserved their win. Bash were quicker out of the blocks and took only six minutes to edge in front when Port keeper Nick Flower spilled a cross from Craig Davis in front of Richard Gillespie and the teenage striker calmly tucked the loose ball into the net. Gillespie and Danny Gibbons were then both denied by good saves from Flower as Bash looked to catch their hosts cold. A classy move enabled them to double the lead a minute before the break. Davis and Gillespie played a one-two on the right, with Davis' cross being nodded down by Gibbons for Gillespie to lash home his second from close range. It could have been three on the stroke of half time when a Darren Robson free kick found Mat Jones and Gillespie unmarked at the far post, but each left it to the other and the chance was gone. Bash came close to a third when a corner caused havoc and Flower had to punch away Mat Jones' header, but at the other end Simon Pilcher headed over when well placed. Jamie O'Rourke volleyed over the top as Newport threatened to make a comeback, and Bash replaced Gillespie with Stuart Hussey. The Bash sub had been on the pitch for just three minutes when he headed home from Mark Lisk's corner. But Hussey was then himself forced off due to another injury and young striker Kevin James replaced him. With two minutes to go, James got the ball across for Gibbons' near post header to be touched onto the bar, and Craig Davis dived to head home and set the seal on an impressive performance. l Last Saturday, Bashley gained a workmanlike 2-nil home win over Corby Town, writes Ian Henderson. The game was played on a remarkably good pitch. Tarpaulins had been used to cover the playing surface the previous night and it was one of the few grounds in the area to survive the frosty weather. Bash started well and their constant attacks paid off just before half time when a good ball over the top from Gary Connolly found Gillespie. His cross was volleyed home at the far post by Mark Lisk. After the break, Corby's player-manager, the former Nottingham Forest midfielder Lee Glover, hoped for a penalty after he tumbled in the box but referee Martin Ebbage rightly waved play on. The official had an excellent game, allowing play to flow whenever possible and verbally dismissing attempts at 'whingeing' by both teams. Darren Elm was forced to make an excellent save from the visitors' best player, Danny Maye, but allowed the ball to slip from his grasp. The Bashley keeper quickly made amends, however, by blocking the rebound attempt. Bash increased their lead with a wonderful goal after 66 minutes. Mark Jones played the ball over the top for Gillespie to run on and crash a 25 yard shot into the top far corner. The game was almost put beyond any doubt when a header from Davis produced a brilliant save from Corby goalkeeper Lavin. But the home side were never seriously troubled and held on comfortably to take three points. Merger talks controversy Bashley chairman Ray Pinney has criticised the 'leaking' of details of talks between the club and neighbours Lymington & New Milton. He said he was not against such a move but would personally keep supporters informed of any developments. Meanwhile, Brockenhurst vice chairman Ray Colverson said he was 'very surprised' to hear that his club might be invited to join in the discussions. "It's certainly news to me, we have enough to do to keep this club going at present," he commented. (see also page 25).