Bashley 1 Baffins Milton Rover 2
Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round
A Bashley team, weakened by injury and absence, rewarded a large crowd with a spirited display but, in the end, were no match for a strong Baffins Milton Rovers side. The Black and Golds were under pressure from the off and could only watch as Callum Dart after a solo run send his shot high and wide; shortly after it was the agility of Bashley keeper Jason Collins that kept the score sheet blank when he intercepted a sharp downward header from Jason Parish.
Then, much against the run of play, the vast improving Cameron Beard took advantage of a high bouncing ball by heading it over the out-rushing Rovers’ keeper Tony Male and into his deserted net. Beard, without a recognised partner because of injury and cup regulations, was a one-man demolition squad and was unlucky when a shared heavy tackle was deemed a card offence. Collins was busy once again when punching clear a fierce, late-sighted free-kick that curved over defensive wall; whilst, a tempting cross from Sam Jackson was just too high for the leaping Beard.
The stitched-together home defence, with 19-year old Dylan Manu for playing his first home game at this the level and with front-runner Hugh Dathan deputising at centre-back, then lost the experienced wing-back Jack Smith with an ankle injury. It was perhaps inevitable, that just a few minutes later, a break from within that defensive area led to a penalty which was netted by Rovers’ captain, Ashton Leigh despite the valent Collins guessing the right way.
Bashley now brought on their last subs including the promising U18 winger Lucas James whose first run brought a much-needed corner. Bash increased the pressure and Harry Morgan burst into the penalty area only to be stopped by what appeared to be a tug on his shirt by keeper Male. Whilst reluctantly accepting the referee decision that this was not an offence, it was still enough to disrupt Bashley’s concentration and a quick break to the other end led to Rob Taw heading home the winner from an acute angle.
Bashley almost had the last say when Collins took a distant free kick which was fielded by the tireless Beard whose shot was diverted unluckily into the arms of Male. The whistle for time came immediately after.
Bashley: Collins, Smith, Dathan, Strickland, Thompson, Manufor, Jackson, White, Beard, Morgan, Meddah
Used Subs: Drake, James, Farrugia
Att: 190