SHOLING lost ground on Sydenhams Premier Division leaders Andover Town after being held to a 1-1 draw at Bashley.

The Foresters felt they should have had a penalty when Kabba Jack, set free by a defence-splitting Lewis Ross pass, went down inside the box under Dan Miller's challenge, but referee Tom Moisey waved away their appeals.

Instead Bash went behind on 27 minutes when Barry Mason’s low cross from the right fell for brother Dan who beat keeper Mike Edgar with a scissor kick into the bottom corner.

A minute later the Boatmen might have had a second, but Edgar saved with his feet to deny Lee Wort.

Seven minutes into the second half, a penalty decision belatedly went in Bashley’s favour – much to everyone’s amazement.

There were no appeals as Jack again went down in the area, being shadowed by Barry Mason. But this time referee Moisey pointed to the spot and Ross stepped up to fire straight down the middle as 'keeper Ryan Gosney dived to his right.

Even the Foresters descibed it as a "soft" penalty award and both Barry and Byron Mason were booked for disputing the decision.

Bashley gave as good as they got in the closing stages with Harrison White, fresh from the bench, unlucky to twice see fierce long shots go agonisingly wide.

At the other end, Chris Lucas denied Sholing with a timely goalline clearance.

Third-placed Sholing - now ten points behind Andover having played two games more - turn their attentions to knockout competition with two big home games in the next five days.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) they continue their defence of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup against Petersfield Town and on Saturday they host Wellington AFC in the FA Vase second round.