BASHLEY defender Gary Middleton looks like being rested ahead of their FA Trophy home clash against Leyton tomorrow (3pm).

Middleton has 90 per cent recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out of the New Forest outfit's 2-1 league win at Yate.

But he will probably be saved for Bash's crucial BGB Southern League away trips at Rugby and Brackley on Novem-ber 10 and 13, respectively.

Middleton's central defensive partner Matt Parnell will sit out the visit of Ryman Premier Division basement boys Leyton, who lost 1-0 at home to Weald-stone in the league in midweek.

Phil Archibald, who played for Bashley last season, continues his comeback by covering for the absent Parnell, who has a ligament problem.

Bash, only four points adrift of top spot in the Southern Premier, go into the second qualifying round tie favourites.

Bashley: Elm, Hill, Castle, Archibald, Ferrett, Tarr, Moss, Keeping, Davis, Keeler, Blackmore, Town, Gillespie, Harper, Middleton, Riley.