BOSS Steve Riley is hoping Gary Middleton will be fit to resume Bashley's play-off push after the defensive linchpin sustained a knee injury during their 0-0 draw at Bromsgrove Rovers tonight.

Middleton was substituted at the interval after twisting his knee when he fell awkwardly during the first half of a dour Southern League Premier Division clash.

Riley, whose charges face trips to Hitchin and Kings Lynn in the next six days, said: "Gary came off as a precaution. It didn't help us because we had to move a few bodies around for the second half. We've put ice on it and are keeping our fingers crossed for Saturday."

Despite being held by struggling Rovers, the stalemate saw Bash move five points clear of sixth-placed Gloucester and one closer to fourth-placed Chippenham, who suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Brackley.

Riley added: "You can see why teams drop points here because it's a hostile place. It was an honest, gritty performance and the lads stuck to their task. Overall, we're happy with another point on the board."

Bash need eight points from their remaining four games to guarantee a play-off place.

Bashley: Elm, Gazzard, Ferrett, Castle, Middleton (Sainsbury, h-t), Smith, Knowles, Davis, Moss, Gillespie, Town. Unused subs: Burch, Brock, Riley, Harper (g/k).