EDDIE Harper paid tribute to strike partners Richard Gillespie and Ryan Moss before saying they were key to Bashley's success tomorrow.

The forwards were in fine form, particularly the impressive Gillespie, as Bash recorded their maiden BGB Southern Premier victory over Banbury United on Tuesday night.

Saturday's visitors to Bashley Road are Merthyr Tydfil (3pm), and assistant boss Harper knows his side need to utilise their main strengths in order to register another win.

He said: "From what I've seen of the scout report, they're a big strong side and have been at the level for a number of years.

"They'll make us work for every ball and scrap, but we're targeting three points again.

"It's going to be a very, very tough game but we know what to do.

"We'll set our stall out and try to expose weaknesses in them and work to our strengths, which is our front two."

Harper pointed to the speed and work rate contributed by Gillespie and Moss.

"They're very pacy, chase every lost cause, chase players down and they're a defender's nightmare," said Harper.

"Their pace is such that they don't let people rest and they're a thorn in the side of any defender."

Gillespie produced an eye-catching display against Banbury, scoring one goal and setting up the other, while Moss had a hand in his fellow frontman's strike.

"Richard Gillespie was the leading scorer in all three Southern League divisions last year, hopefully he'll be a useful asset this year," said Harper.

"Ryan Moss will chip in as well and they work tirelessly - you can't fault their work rate."

Merthyr have had a similar start to the season as Bash and lie just one point and one place ahead of Steve Riley's side on eight points in 13th position.

"We're looking forward to Merthyr, which I'm sure will be a stronger test (than Banbury)," said Harper.

"We've had them watched, we'll talk about that and work on it in training."

Harper said it was nice to get a first victory on the board on Tuesday night.

"We were pleased to get that win and get up and running," he said.

"Our record of one defeat in six, from that point of view is very good, but it's four draws and to get the win and lift ourselves up the table is reassuring."

Bash captain Paul Gazzard is suspended and Neil Morant is on holiday.

Bashley: (from) Elm, Castle, Parnell, Middleton, Ferrett, Wakefield, Davis, Knowles, Keeler, Gillespie, Moss, Harper, Tarr, Riley, Burden, Burch.