Missed penalty so costly for Bashley

But, for once, the free-scoring midfielder was out of sorts at Stamford on Saturday where he made a costly penalty miss as the Foresters stumbled to a 1-0 defeat. Trailing at half-time, Bash got just what the doctor ordered two minutes into the second half when Dennis Rhule was adjudged to have brought down Andy Culliford in the box.

After their 3-1 midweek beating at Eastleigh, the Foresters badly needed a goal to lift their spirits, but Davis's kick was saved by keeper Ludek Michalik, diving to his right.

With time running out, Bash assistant boss Ricky Haysom - in charge while John Robson was away on a scouting mission - threw on new frontline signing Martin Whiddett and switched to three at the back.

It was a gamble that so nearly paid off with the former AFC Totton striker heading a good chance over from Mat Jones's free-kick with just four minutes remaining.

It was Stamford who wound up celebrating, courtesy of a breakaway 31st-minute goal by Lincoln City work experience lad Adam Kurley, which Bashley were convinced was offside.

Kurley had earlier smacked an overhead against the foot of 'keeper Mike Hookway's post, but Haysom felt Bash were hard done by.

He said: "It's really disappointing. Their goal was scandalous, it really was. The lad was clearly offside and everyone stood still, but the linesman didn't flag. "The penalty just after half-time was crucial. It was just what we wanted but, unfortunately, Craig hit it at a saveable height and the 'keeper turned it round."

"I'm gutted and I said to the lads afterwards you've lost to a side who weren't as good as you were."

In the Wessex League Steve Poulton grabbed Totton's goal in a 1-1 draw with Andover, while Phil McDonald's strike gave Cowes a 1-1 draw against in-form Moneyfields.

Richard Gregory replied as BAT lost 2-1 at Portland, Mark Carter and Chris Evans scoring.

Lloyd Mitchell and Ross Bottomley netted as Fareham triumphed 2-1 at Blackfield.