Match report: Bashley FC shocked promotion-chasing Bemerton Heath Harlequins FC, winning their final Southern League Division One South home match 1-0

Bashley picked up an impressive victory in their final home game of the season at the Veho Stadium against promotion-chasing Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Easter Monday.

With the Quins fighting for promotion, they were desperate to win, but the hosts scored the only goal through captain Steve Walker before seeing out the game with 10 players to sign off at home in style.

The game started well for Bashley, with a couple of half chances and a corner before, after seven minutes, a decent effort flew narrowly over the bar of Ben Clark’s goal.

The hosts had controlled most of the exchanges, so when burly skipper Steve Walker rose highest at a corner to power a header into the side netting, it came as no surprise.

Just after the half-hour mark, Walker went close for Bashley again with a left-foot shot across the box, with the Quins struggling to get a foothold in the game here.

It took until the 38th minute for the visitors to create their first proper chance of the game, with Joe Smith hooking the ball towards goal, forcing a good save from Bashley keeper Mack Allan.

Bashley remained on top, applying the pressure. They swept a free kick just wide from 20 yards out, and they looked like the only side likely to score. However, with 10 minutes left, Connor Dunesby-Bent saw red after earning a second two yellows, setting up a tense finale.

The officials signalled six minutes of added time, and the New Forest side saw it out professionally to clinch the deserved three points.

Bashley are on their travels for their final league fixture of the season on Saturday when they take on Evesham United.

Bashley: M. Allan, M. Speechley-Price, J. Bertie, J. Power, S. Walker, C. Dunesby-Bent, S. Bungay, B. Williams, L. Ross, C. Whiteley, L. Holmes. Subs: S. Bradford, L. Waterfield, J. Arnold, D. Walster, H. Bertrand.