BASHLEY – fresh from taking a huge step towards securing their Premier Division safety – are sweating on the availability of three key players.

Back-to-back victories during the Easter weekend lifted Frank Gray’s team 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

The New Forest outfit will be hoping to build on that progress when they visit Southern League rivals St Albans City tomorrow (3pm).

Winger Charlie Knight (hamstring) is expected to hand Bash a fitness boost but defender Tim Stephenson and midfielder Andy Jenkinson may miss out.

Meanwhile, in Division One South & West, Wimborne Town, who were set to face Sholing last night, visit high-flying Hungerford Town.

Bash: (from) Moore, Case, Oliver, Finlay, Middleton, Richardson, Casey, Gradwell, Moth, Stokoe, Gamble, Hill, Knight, Strickland, Cooper, Bajandouh, Gazzard, Kearn.

  • New Milton Town are likely to face a mighty task to boost their survival hopes when they visit Wessex Premier leaders Alresford.

Linnets, who have resigned from the Wessex League ahead of Bashley’s potential move to Fawcett’s Field next term, are bidding to avoid the drop as they could still opt to compete in the Wessex if the formation of a newly- named Bashley and New Milton does not go ahead.

Elsewhere, title outsiders Christchurch host Fawley at Hurn Bridge and Verwood Town entertain Totton & Eling.

Bournemouth Poppies, who were last night due to visit GE Hamble, host Newport (IOW). Hamworthy United, visitors to Hayling United last night, welcome Romsey Town to the County Ground.

In Wessex One, Ringwood Town visit Petersfield Town.