JOINT-BOSS Stewart Kearn was relieved Bashley full back Brad Morris suffered no lasting damage after injuring his neck in today’s 1-0 home defeat to Bideford.

The former New Milton youngster was treated on the pitch for an hour after he fell awkwardly following an innocuous tussle with Saul Halpin on the stroke of half time.

But following precautionary checks at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Kearn confirmed Morris had been discharged with strict instructions to rest for the next few days.

“We were delighted to hear that it was not as bad as first feared,” said Kearn. “You never know with these things so we were all relieved when Brad was sent home with a relatively clean bill of health.

“He was a bit groggy and had a thumping headache but other than that, he just has to take things easy for a while.”

Kearn, who was also quick to praise the swift reaction of Bashley sports therapist Sophie Sheppard, confirmed Morris’s injury would rule him out of Tuesday’s trip to Chesham United and possibly next Saturday’s match at Corby Town.

It turned out to be a bad day at the office for Bash as Halpin’s first half strike settled a dour, often physical clash which left the hosts winless in five matches.

Bideford imposed themselves on the game and forced the better openings during the first half with Bash unable to deal with a series of high balls.

The visitors had gone close a couple of times before Owen Howe flicked goalkeeper Ben Hurst’s long punt into the path of Halpin whose low angled drive flew past Nic Jones on 29 minutes.

Proceedings were understandably subdued after the interval, but Bash rallied late on as the Devon outfit slowly retreated.

Lively substitute Jack Satterley went close before defender Ian Richardson - thrown up front in the dying stages - saw his 30-yard dipping effort rebound off the crossbar and hit Hurst's back before bouncing agonisingly over five minutes into added time.

And Bashley's third straight defeat was further compounded by veteran midfielder Taffy Richardson deciding he could no longer commit to the club.

Richardson, 46, cited work and family commitments for his Bashley Road departure but offered to stay on until and alternative was found.

“My lifestyle became too hectic and I couldn't give it everything,” admitted Richardson. “I had a chat with Gaz and Kearnsy and agreed to move aside once they found a replacement.

“I underestimated the travelling and, on top of everything else, it was getting very tiring. I approached them about it but said I would still make myself available if they needed me.”

On Richardson’s departure, Kearn added: “We came to a mutual agreement. I am gutted it didn't work out.

“We asked Taffy to stay registered with us but he has a lot of work on and it will be down to him.

“We’re looking at different options for a replacement but we haven’t decided who we are going to sign – it may be that we look to the loan market."

Bash: Jones, Morris (Strickland, h-t), Boultwood, Richardson, Middleton, Stephenson, Casey, Allen, Sills, Odam, Knight (Satterley, 83). Unused subs: Brookes, Porter, Thomas.

  • Elsewhere in the Southern Premier, Poole Town maintained their strong start to the season with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Biggleswade Town. Striker Richard Gillespie netted the winner in the 90th minute. 

In the FA Cup, Hamworthy United shocked Wimborne Town with a 3-1 win at Cuthbury. Dominic Allen, Sam Lanahan and Sam Pekun were the goalscorers. 

The Hammers will host Hallen in the first qualifying round on September 14 after the Western League outfit beat Bournemouth Poppies 4-2 at Victoria Park.