Bashley boss Geoff Butler could not have written a better script at Fleet Town last night after the player who turned him down a fortnight ago repaid him with a late own goal.
Navy defender Steve Riley's unfortunate blunder secured an ironic 3-2 win for Bashley in the Ryman Division 1 Hampshire derby at Calthorpe Park.
Having seriously considered a move to Bashley, former Newport IoW defender Riley opted to join his Navy buddy Fraser Quirke at Fleet instead.
But whereas Butler feared the move might work against the Foresters, it actually went in their favour.
"I said to Steve he'd probably score the winner and he did - by putting the ball in his own net three minutes from time!" smiled Butler,
"I felt sorry for him because he was Fleet's best player, but there's no room for sentiment in football and I was pleased with the points."
Richard Gillespie, who scored five at Fleet last season, gave Bashley an early lead when the ball came off his knee following a Chris Ferrett corner.
Although the linesman was not convinced it had crossed the line, the referee gave it.
Ex-England international Andy Sinton made one goal with a sweet 40-yard pass to Shaun Hale and scored the second himself.
Hurt as he was to see Bashley fall behind, Butler couldn't help but admire Sinton's skills.
He said: "First he played a fabulous diagonal crossfield ball to the left winger, who beat David Elm at his near post and then he played a great one-two and blasted it in on the angle off the far post. It was a tremendous goal."
But Sinton's good work was not enough. Having got back on terms before the break when Danny Gibbons' bobbling shot bounced over the keeper, Bashley took charge in the second half.
"We had loads of chances, but Fleet defended really well and I thought our chance had gone when their young keeper made a tremendous save from Gillespie," said Butler.
"But then Dave Wakefield hit a ball across the six-yard box and as Steve Riley stuck out a foot to try and clear it, he put it past his own keeper.
"It was unfortunate for Steve, but I'm delighted with our boys.Toure Mamadouba was our best player and David Elm made amends for his earlier error with two great saves."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article