Bash sail into play-offs (From Bournemouth Echo)

Bash sail into play-offs

6:34pm Sunday 20th April 2008 in

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STEVE Riley was in jubilant mood after Bashley shrugged off the absence of two star players to finally book their place in the Southern League Premier Division play-offs.

Despite being without central defender Pete Castle and goal-machine Richard Gillespie, Bash defeated Mangotsfield 1-0 at the Recreation Ground to keep alive their dream of completing successive promotions.

Boss Riley was understandably delighted after half-time substitute Justin Keeler came off the bench to net the winner in the 65th minute.

With Gloucester City failing to win, Bash are guaranteed a fifth-place finish and are set for a trip to either King's Lynn or Team Bath in the play-off semi-finals.

"It's great and brilliant knowing that we can go to Bedford next week with the pressure off a bit. It's fantastic on and off the park," Riley told the Daily Echo.

"Everyone worked hard and we've achieved more than anyone thought we would this season.

"I think a top-10 finish would have been brilliant but we've done better than people expected.

"It's credit to everyone on and off the pitch that we've done so well. We worked hard, had a bit of a blip, but had already got into a good position."

Despite losing 5-0 at King's Lynn in midweek, Riley believes his side have a chance in the play-offs and says "anything can happen on the day".

He also thinks that his team can compete, even if Gillespie is unavailable for the remainder of the season.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed on Richard Gillespie," said Riley.

"He'll be getting intensive treatment to try to get back. It's unfortunate but we've got to get on with it like we did on Saturday.

"To lose a player like that is hard to swallow and makes it hard, but it's always hard.

"We're not going to go into the play-offs without Richard Gillespie thinking we haven't got a chance because we have.

"We're capable with the squad we've got of doing something. We've got to make sure we're ready and get as good a squad as we can, then who knows."

Former Cherries forward Dave Town stepped in for Gillespie to partner Ryan Moss in attack against Mangotsfield.

"Dave Town would rather play up front but he's been playing in behind the front two previously," said Riley.

"But he got some through balls and in good space and caused all sorts of problems on Saturday."

Bashley: Elm, Gazzard, Ferrett, Archbold, Middleton, Smith, Knowles, Davis, Moss, Town, Sainsbury (Keeler, h-t). Unused subs: Harper, Burch, Brock, Riley.