BASHLEY secured their Southern League Premier Division status thanks to a 2-2 draw with St Neots Town at Bashley Road on Tuesday.

Ian Richardson’s late leveller handed Bash the point they needed to guarantee finishing above Bedworth United, who currently occupy the second relegation place.

Reece Loudon’s shot across the face of goal handed Saints a first-half lead but Frank Gray’s men were level before the interval when ex-Cherries frontman Alex Moth finished off Rob Gradwell’s through ball.

Bash forced the better openings after half-time but fell behind to a sucker-punch when substitute Tom Wood plundered a close-range header from Ryan Auger’s swinging cross.

But the hosts sealed safety when Gary Middleton’s powerful header was only parried as far as Richardson who snaffled his third goal in four matches.

Bash boss Gray, who has seen his side unbeaten in five matches since Easter, reflected on a tough season with a sense of relief.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is nice to have it cut and dried and good to put it to bed with a decent run of form.

“We would like to have changed the style of play earlier in the season because, since we have reverted to 4-3-3, we have looked more of a threat. We have not always had the personnel to play that way but, since adding Alex Moth, we have been more potent in attack.”

Bash host Redditch United tonight, with Gray expecting to name an unchanged squad (7.45pm).

Bash: Moore, Case, Oliver, Strickland, Finlay (Middleton, 70), Richardson, Casey, Gradwell (Hill, 70), Stokoe (Farren, 83), Gamble, Moth. Unused subs: Cooper, Kearn (g/k).

  • Russell Cook netted twice as Christchurch boosted their chances of a third-place finish in Wessex Premier, Priory’s 3-0 win over Alresford denting the Magpies’ title hopes.

Cook’s double, coupled with a Sam Griffin strike, condemned second-placed Alresford to their first defeat in 21 league and cup games.

Verwood all but secured their Premier Division status when goals from Mike Haskell, Jack Satterley and Ben Kelly earned them a 3-1 win at Downton.

Martin Warren, Johnathan Watt and Scott Joyce were on target in Poppies’ 3-3 draw with Bemerton at Victoria Park, while New Milton went down 2-0 at Fareham.

Linnets host Newport (IOW) tonight at Fawcett’s Field, while Verwood travel to AFC Portchester and Christchurch head to Hamble (all 7.45pm).