IN-FORM Bashley striker Dave Allen is getting a taste for scoring important cup goals.

The Hamworthy-based forward, recently recruited from Winchester City, netted a second-half hat-trick as Bash ran out 7-0 winners over United Services Portsmouth in the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

He was also on target to knock Eastleigh out of the FA Trophy last month and it is in that competition where the frontman will be hoping to continue his scoring streak this weekend.

Bash welcome Southern League rivals Tiverton Town to the Recreation Ground in the first round proper, with prize money and a potentially lucrative tie to come.

“It’s a very good competition for us and a chance to progress quite far,” said Allen.

“Last year they got Torquay away which was a nice day but, with Tiverton, there’s probably a little bit of added pressure because it’s the same league.

“But the boys are up for it after Tuesday’s 7-0 win, which was a bit of a confidence boost.”

On his time with the New Forest outfit, he added: “It’s good so far, I’m enjoying it.

“I’m just starting to play regularly again and have settled in really well. I couldn’t ask for much more.

“There’s not much difference in the team from last year, apart from three players, so I think the backbone’s still there.

“In the cups, we’re doing really well, but in the league we’re just struggling a bit. We just need to reproduce after tomorrow in the league.”

Despite their poor form in the league – Steve Riley’s men sit bottom – they have enjoyed plenty of success in knockout action.

Boss Riley believes his team can be successful – as long as they keep their play simple and do the basic things correctly.

He said: “It was an honest performance (on Tuesday), where the lads put effort in and it was simple, basic football.

“If we do that and play like that, regardless of who we’re playing against, we’ll be effective. We’ve got an effective bunch of players.

“We just need everybody to keep it basic, simple football, then the quality shines through.

“Hopefully, if we have the same application as on Tuesday, we’ll have a good game.

“I think the boys are definitely going to be up for it,” added Riley.

Star Bashley striker Richard Gillespie didn’t play on Tuesday night due to an ankle problem, but he is expected to feature tomorrow.

Bashley: (from) Elm, Gazzard, Ferrett, Middleton, Parnell, Knowles, Fairbrother, Smith, Rowe, Gillespie, Tarr, Gunn, Keeler, Knight, Allen, Hollick, Riley.