BASHLEY secured their return to the Southern League with an emphatic 4-0 win over Christchurch at Hurn Bridge.

First-half goals from ex-Cherries striker Matt Tubbs and Liam Farrugia left Bash well poised, before strikes from Harry Bunce and Lewis Ross made sure of the result – and promotion.

Bash knew that victory would see them promoted, thanks to their points per game record. Heading into the game the New Forest outfit knew they were guaranteed at least a play-off against a side the third bottom side from the Southern League Division One South – potentially their local rivals Lymington Town.

However, any inter-step play-off was avoided by Paul Morris’ men putting in a professional job to see off lowly Christchurch.

Despite controlling possession early on, Bashley had to wait until after the half-hour mark to take the lead through player-coach Tubbs.

Farrugia then stepped up to score directly from a free-kick five minutes before the half-time whistle.

Shortly after the break Bunce made it three, before Ross added some gloss to the scoreline with his screamer with just 10 minutes to go.

After six years in the Wessex Premier, Bashley return to a league they called home for 24 seasons after their last promotion from the Wessex League in 1989.

They will join champions Hamworthy United in the eighth tier, with local fixtures in the form recently relegated Wimborne also on the cards.

Bash: Casey, Smith, Thompson, Farrugia, Jackson, Morris, Ross, Tubbs (Webber, 65), Bunce, Grange (Bennett, 79), Simpson (Atiako-Hall, 74)

Unused subs: Thompson, Rossi