BASHLEY assistant boss Eddie Harper blamed "sloppy" defensive errors for his side's FA Cup hammering at Chippenham Town.

Bash opted to start with an inventive 3-4-1-2 formation, with Ryan Moss recalled up front and former Cherries man Dave Town playing in behind the strikers.

And, if the New Forest side had taken the chances they created, the match could have been a totally different story from the 5-1 defeat that unfolded at the hands of their BGB Premier Division rivals.

Harper put the loss down to a combination of poor defending, a characteristic not usually associated with Bash, and missed chances in front of goal.

"It was one of those games of missed opportunities. They took their opportunities and we didn't," Harper told the Daily Echo.

"Pete Castle had two good headers, Dave Town hit the post and Ryan Moss had one saved.

"But there were a couple of bits of sloppy defending and below-par goalkeeping.

"We'll have a look at the negatives and positives but we won't be too harsh on ourselves."

Harper feels the back four and goalkeeper have been a "strong point" in recent times.

He said: "Last season, and the start of this one, we've been proud of the way we have defended but it was one of those days and people made individual mistakes.

"I don't think 5-1 reflects the way we played but on paper we got a right old hammering."

Harper admitted to being slightly relieved that the result came in the cup, meaning it did not halt Bashley's impressive league form.

"In many ways I'm glad it's not in the league but disappointed because there's prize money all clubs at our level could do with."

A worry for Bash was goalscorer Matt Parnell limping out of the action after the central defender jarred a leg.

Bash don't have a game this week, so they will be hoping he can recover ahead of the league clash against Team Bath on October 27.

On a positive note, long-term absentee Gary Middleton played 45 minutes for the reserves and could come in for Parnell if required.

Bashley: Elm, Castle, Parnell (Blackmore), Ferrett, Wakefield (Burden), Davis, Riley (Brock), Keeler, Town, Moss, Gillespie.