VT FC sprang a surprise by gunning down runaway Southern 1 South & West leaders Bashley 3-1 at Portsmouth Road last night.

And according to satisfied manager Dave Diaper, it was the thought of travelling to Eastleigh in the last 16 that inspired the Boatmen to victory.

Appropriately it was three former Eastleigh players - Ryan Ashford, Barry Mason and Kevin Gibbens - who pulled the rug out from under Bashley.

Admittedly the Foresters were not at full strength, but neither were VT.

They'd suffered a blow when another of their ex-Eastleigh contingent, defender Lee Bright, pulled out with tonsilitis.

"Bashley fielded three reserves, but we played so well that we'd have beaten anyone tonight," said Diaper.

"Bashley have been flying in their league and no one expected us to get anywhere near them tonight, but it just goes to show how far we've come.

"I didn't need to do much of a team talk. We've got quite a few ex-Eastleigh lads and that was the big prize."

Full round-up of last night's non league action in today's Daily Echo