Match report: Bashley FC beaten 3-0 by Southern League Division One South’s most in-form side Bishops Cleeve FC

Bashley came up against the league’s most in-form side, Bishops Cleeve, who eased a step closer to cementing their place in the end-of-season play-offs on Saturday.

Against opposition, which had lost only two of their previous 12 games and conceded only eight goals in that time, this would always be a mountain to climb for Bashley – especially considering the suspension-enforced absence of skipper Steve Walker.

Bashley were slightly the better side throughout the early exchanges, but the opening goal only took six minutes to arrive, and when it came, it was more than a little impressive. Bishops Cleeve’s Matt Bower let fly more in hope than anger from 30 yards, and the ball flew into the top corner.

Bashley were far from out of it, however, and after Mitch Speechley-Price lofted a speculative effort high and wide, Conor Whiteley had a much clearer chance, but his near-post header from a Luke Holmes’ cross lacked the power he wanted.

It had been an even half, but three added minutes proved one too many for Bashley, who surrendered a sucker-punch second goal. A straightforward corner from Evans-Harriott found Bower unmarked to head in.

Brett Williams replaced Speechley-Price at half-time, and Bashley set about their task. However, only five minutes into the second 45, it took a terrific save from Charlie Philpott to keep Bash in the game.

Bash had become second best for a while – although they might have done better when Lewis Ross, who takes the armband when Walker is out, floated a 30-yard free-kick into the box with no Bashley attacker able to get there.

Soon, it was back to the other end, and after Philpott saved well from James Harding, it was suddenly all over. Jay Malshanskyj made it to the by-line, cut the ball back perfectly into Aaron Evans-Harriott’s path, and that was that.

Into the last 15 minutes, and Bashley were at least aiming for a consolation goal. They almost had it when Luke Holmes made one of his typical driving runs and set up Harvey Bertrand – a great effort but an equally great save by Lewis Clayton.

Bashley now have a week to re-group before their next home game against Helston Athletic next Saturday.

During the week, and again at the gate, Bishops Cleeve had made a collection to go towards the fund set up for Jordan Chiedozie, who is unlikely to play again after being involved in a tragic road traffic accident. Chiedozie and Bashley are immensely grateful.

Bashley: C. Philpott, H. Bertrand, J. Bertie, T. Edmondson, D. Walster, l. Laird, L. Waterfield, L. Ross, M. Speechley-Price, L. Holmes, C. Whiteley. Subs: S. Lewis, S. Bungay, B. Williams, C. Dunesby-Bent, K. Skoczen.