Bash trying to talk Town into a return (From Bournemouth Echo)

Bash trying to talk Town into a return

7:00am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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Bashley boss Steve Riley is hoping to persuade former Cherries striker Dave Town to reconsider his decision to retire.

Town answered Riley’s 11th-hour SOS when he agreed to turn out for depleted Bash during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Didcot Town.

The 33-year-old, who came off the bench to set up the Bash equaliser, came to Riley’s aid after his resources had been ravaged by injury and suspension.

It was Town’s first appearance since he decided to hang up his boots five months ago, having been dual registered with Bash and Wessex League Wimborne Town.

Riley is keen for Town to keep lending his support to Bash’s Premier Division promotion push, which continues tonight against lowly Evesham United at Worcester City’s St George’s Lane (7.45pm).

“I can’t thank him enough for coming on Saturday,” said player-manager Riley, who still turns out for Bash at 44.

“He could have said it was too short notice but agreed to come up. I knew he would do a job for us if we needed him and he came up with the goods. I thought he changed the game for us when he came on.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, he should keep playing for as long as he can. He’s got a great footballing brain and a great pedigree. He is also good for the other lads as well. His experience is welcome and he is an infectious character to have in the dressing room.”

Bash are sweating on the fitness of winger Justin Keeler, who sat out the Didcot clash due to a hamstring injury, while leading goalscorer Dave Allen will serve the second of a two-match ban. Defender Matt Parnell is expected to return following compassionate leave.

Bashley: (from) Elm, Smith, Ferrett, Middleton, Gazzard, Knowles, Kelly, Mason, Maxwell, Gamble, Knight, Cream, Mead, Town, Riley, Parnell, Prodomo.

<•>Graham Kemp has named an unchanged squad as his Christchurch side bid to do the double over high-flying Fareham Town at Hurn Bridge.

Christchurch: (from) Kearn, Costello, Legg, Dand, Linpow, Bernard, Smith, Fairbrother, Osborne, Jeffes, Burden, Dickenson, Rideout, Green, Harris, Jeffries.

<•>In Wessex One, Ringwood Town visit third-placed AFC Portchester.

Ringwood Town: (from) T Taylor, Burrett, Clarke, Hetherington, Burge, T Yeats, Ormond, S Yeats, Fleet, Burrett, D Taylor, Sexton, Chattey, Morrell, Byrne, Page.