BASHLEY have soared to second in the Sydenhams Premier after a 2-0 home win over Baffins Milton Rovers.

The Foresters, renowned for their passing game, found a new demission in the hustle and muscle of Cameron Beard who relished the targetman role in the absence of Dan Munday.

Clearcut chances were few and far between, however, until the closing minutes of the first half.

The applause had still to die down for Bash keeper Jason Collins’ superb save from Rob Taw when the Foresters took the lead.

Beard was fouled and Harry Morgan’ s free kick was met by the high-rising Lewis Aimson.

Bash appealed in vain for a penalty early in the second half when Beard was taken out by goalkeeper Cameron Scott and ended up with a bandaged head.

Goalkeeper Collins later sustained what was feared to be a serious head injury and, after lengthy on-pitch treatment, was carried off.

With all subs used, Aimson pulled on the green jersey and dealt with two dangerous crosses before the final whistle. Thankfully Collins was well enough to join the celebrations in the clubhouse afterwards.

Alresford Town had to use 17-year-old Luke Rae as an emergency right-back during an entertaining 0-0 home draw with Fareham.

The injury-hit Magpies lost Liam Hibberd, Steve Hall and Kieran Stephens in a mad spell between the 38th and 43rd minutes and finished the first half with nine men.

Dan Simmonds hit five in AFC Portchester’s 8-1 demolition job on Andover New Street, while Portland triumphed 3-0 at Cowes Sports.

Darren Watts and Ed Bastick sandwiched goals around one from Portland’s Alex Holloran whose afternoon was blighted by a serious ankle injury.

Hamble Club (Ryan Wilkins) drew 1-1 at Bournemouth Poppies (Ali Fakhal), and it also finished 1-1 between Tadley Calleva (Sam Hamilton) and Christchurch (Connor Thorne og).