Damage in the Box!: BASHLEY (Bashley Road)

The first game of this weekend's Hampshire double header took place in the heart of the New Forest, at Bashley Road. This Southern Premier League clash still had importance attached to it as Bashley were after a win to more-or-less cement their place in the end of season play-offs, whilst Leamington mathematically still had an outside chance of making the end of season lottery, if they were to bag the win. Lots to play for.

The ground is pretty basic, with all the coverage on one side of the ground, which consists of an "arena" stand and terrace. As the sun was beating down there was no need to shelter today as it was most definitely t-shirt and shorts weather today! As it was Bashley's last home game of the (regular) season they also gave away today's programme as a thank you, I certainly appreciated the gesture.

The heat did make the pitch solid and bobbley, which was not conducive to good football and to be honest we didn't see much of that today. Leamington probably shaded the first half on (half) chances but it was mostly utter, utter crap. The second half was marginally better, just, but at least there were goals. Luke Corbett fired The Brakes into the lead after 57 minutes but Bash levelled from the spot after 71 minutes when Dave Allen scored after a handball in the box.

In the end the point did nothing for Leamington as it killed off their play off hopes, while Bashley will spend a nervous week looking over their shoulder as the teams around them play their games in hand.