OPTIMISTIC Steve Riley remains confident struggling Bashley can soon end their winless run after admitting wasteful finishing had stopped his men breaking their duck.

Bash twice bounced back from a goal behind to earn a battling draw against Windsor and Eton at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Goals from star striker Mark Gamble and captain Chris Knowles cancelled out first-half efforts for the visitors from Adam Dickens and Ryan Bernard.

But the result means Riley’s new-look team have still failed to register a victory in their opening five matches as a number of players continue to find their feet in the Southern Premier.

And with a trip to Weymouth to come this afternoon, things are unlikely to get any easier as the New Foresters bid to get off the mark.

Riley, though, is adamant they can turn the tide after reflecting on the positives of their latest outing.

He told the Echo: “I felt as if we did enough to get three points, but to claw our way back showed character and there were lots of positives to take into the game today.

“I’ve learned quite a few things about some of the new players and one thing is they are not going to give up.

“If I’m going to be critical, our finishing cost us the three points, but you can’t fault the effort.

“The good thing is we’re creating chances. There are lots of positives – the energy levels and fitness levels are good.

“We just need to learn from each game. We need to learn from it and cut out the little bits of sloppy defending.

“I’m sure we’ll get our first win sooner rather than later.”

Discussing his team’s performance, Riley said: “We played relatively well, especially in the first half. We could’ve been three or four nil up.

“I couldn’t fault the effort from the boys – it was top drawer.”

Bashley’s search for a win takes them to Dorset this afternoon, where they will face fellow basement boys Weymouth (3pm).

The Terras would be sitting comfortably in mid-table but started the season on minus-10 points due to their financial difficulties.

Riley added: “It’s going to be a tough one. Hopefully, there will be a big crowd and a bit of an atmosphere there.

“I’ve played there and they are always big games. It will be good to go there as a manager.”