Late goal decides New Forest derby in Sydenhams Premier

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Bashley FC 2-1 Lymington Town

BASHLEY FC leapfrogged Lymington Town after Lewis Ross claimed a late derby winner at Bashley Road in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier division.

Harry Morgan opened the scoring for the home side, but Lymington levelled late in the first half through a stunning effort from Dom Falco.

The highly anticipated local derby had the crowd on their toes from the off with Bashley captain, Brad Morris, laying down the gauntlet when sending a venomous shot just over the bar.

The battle lines were drawn when Lymington reacted immediately by rattling the bar at the other end. Minutes later, Conor Whiteley was brought down in the box, but his appeal was waved away.

The deadlock was broken after 20 minutes when a Harry Bunce cross into the Lymington area was met by Morgan who found goal with a low drive from ten yards.

The visitors applied pressure in the latter end of the half and drew level from a fine goal from in-form scorer Falco who swirled and half-volleyed in one movement giving Bashley keeper Dan Kempson no chance.

The second half was no different, with both teams striving for the winner. Bashley, who played unchanged throughout, looked the more settled side. An early move involving Whiteley and Bunce saw a shot well saved by Town keeper Sam Jones.

Bashley continued to press, Dan Thompson was unlucky when slightly off-balance with an audacious hook shot. However, Lymington were never out of the game, their accurate cross-field passing and strong runs were a constant danger.

The winner came from former-Lymington player Ross. Ross was taken out by a yellow-card foul as he broke free down the left-hand touchline. Morgan’s inviting floated free-kick caused mayhem in the area and was half-cleared to Ross who buried the ball from eight yards out.

The remaining 13 minutes were edge of the seat stuff as both teams fought to the end, but Bashley claim the points which sees them climb to eighth in the table.

Bashley: Kempson, Webber, Smith, Morris, Thompson, Strickland, Bunce, Ross, Whiteley, Morgan, McGrath.

Lymington: Jones, Drake, Aldhayan, House, Elsom, Costello, Cullen, Falco, King, Lanahan, Churchill. Subs: Hurst, Fay, Davies, Richie.