REFEREE Adam Baker took centre stage as Bashley were condemned to an ill-deserved 2-1 defeat by Sydenhams Wessex Premier leaders Andover Town last night.

Reece Rusher pounced on a mistake to score the opener early in the second half after Bash defender Dan Thompson had misjudged a mule-like clearance from Andover goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe.

The goal came after the hosts had enjoyed the better of the first-half chances with Harrison White striking the base of the post and Lewis Ross missing an absolute sitter.

However, Andover were gifted an opportunity to double their lead when referee Baker pointed to the spot after Rusher had gone to ground under an innocuous challenge.

A report in the Andover Advertiser described it as a "soft decision with very minimal contact", while an article on the Bash website said it was a "mud-soft penalty".

Joe Wright showed no mercy when he found the bottom corner from 12 yards, squeezing the ball past the despairing dive of Bash goalkeeper Mike Edgar.

There were no complaints from the visitors when Bash were awarded a penalty eight minutes from time, only for Mowthorpe to save with his legs from Ross.

Dan Munday set up a grandstand finish when he swept home from close range following good work by Harry McGrath in the 88th minute before Conor Whiteley saw red for trying to retrieve the ball from Mowthorpe as the goalkeeper delayed the restart.