Bashley'S gain is BAT's loss as far as Tobaccomen's manager Andy Leader is concerned.

Young Eastleigh striker Barry Mason is off to Bashley for the rest of the season after a highly-impressive spell gaining Wessex 1 experience with BAT.

Leader is naturally disappointed to have lost the youngster, saying: "He's been brilliant for us. He's been a shining light playing alongside Richard Gregory up front.

"Everyone loved him and he loved being with us, but the boy's got a big future and if he can better himself by moving up a level with Bashley, then I can understand it."

Although Mason is highly rated by Eastleigh, manager Paul Doswell believes he is better served playing first-team football elsewhere than wasting his time in a poor quality Wessex Combination.

He leaves the Tobaccomen brimming with confidence having played a major part in lifting the Totton club up to eighth in the Wessex table.

Leader said: "He's as strong as an ox and very good with his back to goal even though he hasn't quite perfected that art yet.

"He's lightening quick too and has an eye for goal. He kicks the ball like a mule. I'm sure he's got a very big future in the game.

"We're disappointed to have lost him, but he goes with our blessing."

Eastleigh boss Doswell said: "Barry's done well for BAT, but if he goes up a level and gets maybe a dozen Ryman 1 games under his belt, it will give us a better idea whether he's ready to take the step up with us."

Mason will be accompanied to Bashley by on-loan Eastleigh full-back Sam Wyeth.

Bash boss Geoff Butler has lost Danny Gibbons to a broken leg and Andy Culliford to a groin operation and said: "The Eastleigh players will give us a bit more experience, which we desperately need, and a couple of extra bodies."