Bashley are in desperate need of some festive home comfort in Monday's 'Boxing Day' derby against Newport IoW (3pm).

Although the Foresters have performed superbly on the road this season, winning seven out of 11 on their league travels, the Recreation Ground has proved a Scrooge-like source of points.

Of their ten home games in Ryman 1, Bash have picked up only 11 of a possible 30 points, losing three, drawing five and winning just twice.

The reason, according to manager Geoff Butler, is that Bash are less effective playing sides who defend deep because they can't maximise the pace of their 26-goal top-scorer, Richard Gillespie.

Butler said: "We're not as effective if sides don't come at us and just sit back and defend. It means we can't get the ball over the top to Gillespie, who's at his best when we're attacking from the halfway line.

"Hopefully Newport will come and have a go at us and make a game of it."

Although the Islanders sit fourth to bottom, their performances have vastly improved and they were desperately unlucky to lose 3-2 at home to high-riding Horsham last week.

Butler said: "The time to play Newport was when they were struggling at the start of the season, but they're a much better side now. We always seem to meet teams when they're getting their act together."

Newport boss John Linington has been particularly pleased with the form of central midfielder Tom Scovell, who was outstanding against Horsham.

Signed from Wessex League outfit Cowes Sports during the summer, Scovell is quickly finding his feet in Ryman 1.

Linington said: "He got lots of the ball against Horsham and was opening them up right, left and centre. He's only a little 'un - but he's a big 'un when he gets the ball. He drops a shoulder and picks out really good passes.

"He needs decent conditions, though. If it's a really blowy day or an awful pitch, you couldn't play him."

Striker Ashley Wright is a potential Christmas programme absentee with suspected glandular fever.

His absence last Saturday opened the door for Adam Barsdell to get his wish of a front line place.

Barsdell had been withdrawn after 20 minutes the previous week at Croydon Athletic, where he was clearly unhappy playing wide left.

Linington threatened to drop him, but Wright's illness came as a lucky break for Barsdell, who cashed in by making both goals for Dave Greening against Horsham.

"It worked out all right for Adam. He played well," said Linington. "He's got to keep it up now if he wants to stay there."

Bashley will be without unavailable duo Steve Strong and Chris Knowles, but skipper Mat Jones returns.

In goal, Stacey Harper's place is under threat from former Brockenhurst keeper Andy Colverson, who impressed in Monday's 4-1 Russell Cotes Cup success at Havant & Waterlooville.

Butler said: "He's not completely match fit, but he made two outstanding saves and dealt comfortably with back passes."