New Forest Delight for the Robins

The Robins returned from the depths of the New Forest at Bashley with 3 big points in the bag climbing into 3rd place in the league table.

As Alex Harris advanced as Luke Delaney surged forward in the second minute with Delaney clipping the ball over Harris to put the Bash into an early lead.

Evesham tightened up their play after conceding early. Will Owens powered a swerving ball under the crossbar at the near post, Bashley keeper Mack Allan was only able to knock the ball down into a pack of players which fell just right for Regan Messenger who hooked it over his shoulder and into the net for the equaliser.

The Robins grew in composure after the equaliser, a couple of chances followed, and Amer Awadh’s effort went just over the bar, a similar effort from Ethan Moran whiskered the crossbar.

Delaney combined well with Luke Holmes for the hosts and Dan Walster stood out well for them. At the back, Toby Raison made some important interceptions.

Robins went ahead on 31 minutes. Aaron Heap struck from 20 yards, a low and hard ball which resulted in Charlie Wagstaffe diving to try and block, but the ball hit his arm although not deliberate the referee had to give the penalty. Up steps Levi Steele for the spot kick, sending Allan the wrong way.

Bashley didn’t give up, their equaliser was just around the corner, Luke Holmes after powering through the midfield laid the ball to Lewis Ross for a powerful finish.

All to play for again, well for 60 seconds until Aaron Heap broke down the right side, he crossed the ball to the near post where Reegan Messenger popped in a powerful header forcing the ball past Mack Allan to put the Robins back in the lead which is how it remained for the first half.

After the break, Bashley started brightly but could not find a way past the Robin’s defence. Bashley had a couple of chances Lewis Waterfield had a chance which Toby Raison superbly blocked while Conor Whiteley had his effort easily saved by Alex Harris.

But at the other end, Robins had little to offer in the second half and the lead from the first half saw them secure the three points and move above Bashley in the league table into third position.

ROBINS STARTING X1 (vs Bashley): 1 Alex Harris, 2 Sam Bailey, 4 Josh Barlow (67′ 17 Mackenzie Lamb), 5 Toby Raison, 6 Michael O’Regan, 7 Ethan Moran (63′ 11 Alfie Dunn), 8 Aaron Heap, 9 Levi Steele 28p, 10 Amer Awadh (c), 12 Reegan Messenger 9′ 36′, 14 Will Owens

ROBINS UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: 13 Dominic Hill (gk), 16 Ben Alexander, 19 Sam Belle

ATTENDANCE: 389