BASHLEY boss Steve Riley is "optimistic" midfielder Chris Knowles will be able to return from injury for their home clash against Rugby tomorrow (3pm).

The former Salisbury player limped off in the 19th minute of their thrilling 4-3 home win over Team Bath on Tuesday with the recurrence of a hip problem.

But Riley hopes he will be fit for a quick comeback against relegation-threatened Rugby as Bashley continue their Southern Premier promotion push.

Riley said: "We are hopeful Chris will be okay.

"Maybe he will have to have a fitness test but we are optimistic because he has been getting intensive treatment.

"He has had a bit of a niggle along the top of his hip and thigh for a few weeks. Chris took a whack on it on Tuesday and we took him off as a precautionary measure just to make sure it didn't get any worse."

Riley added: "It was a fantastic win over Team Bath and everything about the night was like a carnival atmosphere.

"It was fancy dress for our supporters and two teams in the play-off positions served up a great game which was heart stopping for me, although I was delighted with our performance and the result."

Bashley were held to a 1-1 draw at Rugby in November when defender Chris Ferrett bagged their goal.

Looking ahead to tomorrow's meeting, Riley said: "It will be tough because of the position Rugby are in.

"Every game between now and the end of the season is like a cup final and that is how we will be approaching this one.

"It is great to be in the position we are in and we are going to work our socks off to try and finish as high as we can in the play-off spots."

Bashley are inviting any Cherries season ticket holders not travelling to Swansea tomorrow to the Recreation Ground where they can gain admittance for half price.

Adults would pay £4, senior citizens and students £3 and it is £1 for accompanied children aged under 16, all on production of a valid Cherries season ticket.

Riley, whose side have played in front of gates of 388 and 370 in their previous two home games, said: "We are getting good crowds but we would love to see a few more.

"Cherries are away so if some of their followers want to see a good quality local game they're welcome to come to Bashley.

"If they do come, we don't think they'll be disappointed."

Bashley: (from) Elm, Gazzard, Ferrett, Castle, Middleton, Smith, Knowles, Keeler, Davis, Moss, Gillespie, Town, Sainsbury, Harper, Burch, Brock, Riley.