BASHLEY might have lost their midweek battle but manager Graham Speechley-Price believes the victors in tomorrow’s re-match with Sholing can lay claim to winning the war.

The Southern South & West rivals lock horns for the second time in five days when the Boatmen – who conquered Bash 4-2 in the Red Insure Cup on Tuesday – return to the New Forest in the FA Trophy preliminary round (3pm).

But with four faces to return, Speechley-Price is optimistic struggling Bash can mount a serious challenge for the £2,500 prize pot on offer.

He told the Daily Echo: “Both sides made quite a few changes on Tuesday and while they showed they have more strength in depth it was still quite an even game. We have players to come back in so we hope to do well.

“It was a nice surprise that some of the fringe players came in and did really well and one or two of those could feature. We know they have a couple of quick wingers to bring in but I would like to think we will be competitive.

“We will take a win as and when it comes at the moment but the financial aspect is not to be sniffed at. Every club wants to progress through the first couple of rounds because it’s a big cash injection.

“This one is definitely far more important for both teams.”

Brad Morris and Leighton Speechley-Price return from injury, while Dammy Bada and Nuno Pereira are available once more.

Mitchell Speechley-Price (suspended), Richard Morse (unavailable) and Ryan Brading (injured) miss out.

Bash: (from) Maher, Morris, Bada, Petty, Hall, Dunne, Coombes, Turner, Head, Bosma, Kinley, Makoni, Moore, Hopkins, Booker, L Speechley-Price, Pereira.

Elsewhere in the FA Trophy, Wimborne Town host Godalming who sit sixth in Southern Central (3pm).

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Costello, Oliver, Maybury, Brimson, Biles, Webb, Griffin, Stokoe, Blake, Davidson, Lupton, Kemble, Gamble, Powell, Field.