FIRST-TEAM coach Jim Totczyk praised Bashley’s players for their application in yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at Weymouth despite the absence of joint-bosses Paul Gazzard and John Pyatt.

The managerial duo were both away due to separate prior arrangements, leaving the former Christchurch assistant manager in charge of the ailing club’s 13-man squad at the Wessex Stadium.

Totczyk, assisted by club officials Pete Millard and Dave Grant, watched on with pride as the New Forest outfit held the Terras to a half-time stalemate before Jamie Richards and Stewart Yetton netted decisive goals from set-pieces after the interval.

But while the stand-in boss was disappointed with the manner of Weymouth’s goals, he felt Bash had acquitted themselves well.

Totczyk told the Daily Echo: “I had been given the heads up that Paul and John might be unavailable so it wasn’t a surprise and we always have the lads pretty well-drilled.

“Everyone knew their jobs and I had taken charge of teams before so I wasn’t too fussed by it.

“I was more than pleased with how it went and the boys put on a good show for the club. We made it a close game and at half-time the lads came off with big proud smiles on their faces while Weymouth looked quite anxious.

“We changed the shape slightly second half to take the game to them but got caught on two set pieces. Both came from poor composure at crucial moments but there was plenty to take from the display.”

Bash: Jones, Rolls, Flint, Ansell, Marden, Bulpitt, Roberts, Strickland (Manders, 67), Joyce, Odam, Blackmore (Brookes, 73).

  • Bash chairman Mike Cranidge confirmed talks with the consortium interested in taking over the club would continue over the coming week.