BASHLEY'S relegation from the Southern League Premier Division was confirmed last night after they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Bedford.

The Eagles took the lead midway through the first half when Bash keeper Monty George's punch was headed into the net by Jamie Nicholls.

Minutes later, the advantage was doubled as Ben Grant's delivery from the right from touched on by Tom Rawlings and Kerran Birch sent home a diving header at the far post.

Despite their best efforts, the hosts could not get on the scoresheet and their relegation fate was sealed.

Bash: George, Strickland, Flint, Ansell, Marden (Rolls, 60), Bulpitt, Roberts, Soetan, Joyce, Odam (Brookes, 88), Morris (Manders, 63). Unused sub: Gazzard.

Ben Osborne struck twice to put the visitors 2-0 up in the second half before Portchester pulled a goal back.

Keeper Dan Ackerman then kept Hamworthy in front with two crucial saves before Micky Hubbard made sure of victory with a long-range lob in the closing stages.

Kemp told the Daily Echo: “It was our best all-round performance of the season. We were exceptional.

“We had to dig in, stand firm and every single player put in a shift.”

Hammers: Ackerman, Walker, Legg (Cole, 65), Brian, Haysom (Miles, 75), Corby, Hester, Hubbard, Osborne, Penny, Martin. Unused subs: Cook, Allen, Yelland.

  • In tomorrow's action, Wimborne Town are away at Tiverton Town in Southern South & West, while Bournemouth Poppies host AFC Portchester in the Wessex Premier (both 7.45pm).

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Donachy, Maybury, Oliver, Brimson, Blake, Griffin, Davidson, Grose, Kemble, Webb, Phelps, Burton-Hemmings, Hall, Terry.