EX-Navy man Steve Riley last night pledged not to quit as Bashley boss – and vowed to steer the New Forest crisis club into calmer waters.

Bashley’s defensive frailties were exposed again as Riley’s men blew a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Southern League basement boys Swindon Supermarine.

Riley confessed at the final whistle that he was relieved his side hung on for a point after withstanding a late spell of pressure that at least prevented a seventh straight defeat.

Riley said: “I can’t say how disappointed I am for the boys, for us to be conceding how we’re are. We’ve got to deal better with the balls that are coming into our box.

“Individually, and collectively, we’ve got to stand up and be counted. At this level, we really should be defending a 3-1 lead and going on and getting a fourth.

“To Swindon’s credit, they came out and asked questions and made it difficult for us. We defended well for the first 20 minutes of the second half, but got sloppy again and let them have a sniff.

“That’s when the nerves start kicking in – in the end, with five minutes to go, I was pleased to hold out for a point.”

Having gone behind to Nick Stanley’s 11th-minute goal, Bash recovered from that early setback with a rousing first half performance.

Richard Gillespie’s thumping header levelled the scores before Matt Vokes converted another Stefan Penny centre on 18 minutes.

The home side looked to be cruise control when Gillespie’s smart turn and shot made the score 3-1 on 26 minutes, but Steve Cook got the visitors back into the game on the hour and another free header from Rob Dean levelled the scores with eight minutes from time, leaving Riley to contemplate another second half collapse.

Asked what is causing his side to throw points away, Riley said: “That’s the million dollar question isn’t it? Maybe a lack of concentration, maybe not squeezing up as a unit when the ball gets cleared – we’re bringing it on ourselves.

“The effort and endeavour was there, but we lack a bit of experience and ruthlessness to be honest. But who knows? This might be the result that kick starts an unbeaten run.”

On his own future, Riley remained defiant, insisting he can turn Bashley’s fortunes around.

“This run is new territory for me, but I’m working hard and I think we need to strengthen if we want to compete at this level.

“We’ve been bottom of the league at Christmas before and turned it around. I certainly won’t give up.

“This club is dear to my heart and I’m up for the challenge. I’m an ex-Navy lad and I never jump ship.”

Bash: Prodomo, Whitley, Oliver, Middleton, Gazzard, Vokes (Foster, 87), Gillespie, Allen, Stokoe, Penny, Green (Ferrett, 90). Unused subs: Molyneaux, Riley, Digby (g/k).