Football: Defeated Bashley on 'learning curve'

Relegated last season, Bash had a bumpy ride in their first Southern South & West fixture of the campaign as they were sunk by goals from Karim Rendell (2), Scott Thomas and Jack Allward.

Darnton admitted that for many of the squad, Saturday’s game provided a “reality check”.

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s a learning curve for us as our four mistakes led to four goals. We have to make sure we concentrate for 90 minutes.

“We had our chances but they were clinical with their opportunities and that was the difference.

“On reflection, our goalie didn’t have a save to make but he ended up picking the ball out of the net four times.

“Individuals know their errors and, as long as they can learn from them, then we will build going forward.

“I think it was a reality check for some of the players who have never played at this level before. Maybe lower down the ladder they could get away with making the odd error but, at this level, you get punished.

“We played against an experienced and organised Southern League team who won’t set the world alight, but they showed us what we can expect week in, week out.”

Bash only had themselves to blame for the opening goal, which arrived after just six minutes. The visitors failed to clear their lines and Rendell rifled into the corner of the net.

Not getting tight enough to their opponents cost the New Forest side just after the half- hour mark, with Thomas getting a shot away that beat Callum Maher.

The visitors were improved after the break and Ryan Brading broke through one- on-one, but could only direct his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Further half-chances came and went but Allward’s 67th-minute goal effectively killed the game off, before Rendell added his second shortly after.

Bash are away to Fleet Town tomorrow (7.45pm).

Bash: Maher, Morris, Ferguson, Booker (M Speechley-Price, 70), Thoroughgood, Oldring, King, Bosma, Brading (Roushbaiana, 60), L Speechley-Price, Hall.