BASHLEY could face stiff competition for the services of former Cherries midfielder Danny Smith - should they be looking to make his move permanent.

The 25-year-old joined the Southern League Premier Division high-fliers in a loan move from Conference South outfit Eastleigh just before Christmas.

And Smith, who played 24 times for Cherries after progressing through the ranks, has impressed for Steve Riley's side since his arrival at Bashley where, co-incidentally, he started out as a 13-year-old.

But after being transfer-listed by Eastleigh last week, Spitfires boss Ian Baird has confirmed there has been interest in Smith from clubs higher up the pyramid than Bash.

Baird told the Daily Echo last night: "I've had one or two enquiries from Conference South clubs. I haven't heard anything from Steve prior to me telling him that Danny was going on the list so it's very much up in the air at the moment."

Asked whether Eastleigh would be looking for a fee for Smith, Baird replied: "I'm trying to look for the best deal possible for Eastleigh."

Discussing his decision to list Smith, Baird added: "Unfortunately for Danny with me, he's behind in the pecking order due to the fact that when I took over, the squad was overloaded with midfielders and, for one reason or another, he hasn't had an opportunity and I don't see him figuring in the foreseeable future.

"On the other side of the coin, every time he's come on or started a game for me, albeit not in the middle of the park, he's done ever so well. He's a decent lad and a good professional."

Meanwhile, Bash return to action tonight with an errea Cup fourth-round tie against Hillingdon Borough at Bashley Road (7.45pm).

Striker Richard Gillespie, recovering from an ankle injury, could be in contention for a starting berth after making the bench for Saturday's stalemate against Clevedon Town.

Pete Castle should start despite sustaining a head injury in Saturday's clash.

Bash: (from) Elm, Gazzard, Castle, Archbold, Ferrett, Hardwell, Wakefield, Smith, Davis, Keeler, Tarr, Moss, Town, Gillespie, Hollick, Knowles.

  • Bournemouth Poppies will be looking to get back on track after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Cowes Sports when they host struggling Lymington Town in the league tonight (7.45pm).

James Wood's side have fallen away from Wessex Premier top three in recent weeks.

Poppies: (from) Kearn, Crow, Cherrett, Dibba, Lucas, Strong, McCabe, White, Sanderson, M Smith, Barnes, Phillips, Jeffes, M Toy, Morrell, Wood.

  • Christchurch travel to Alresford Town in the night's other clash (7.45pm) on the back of Saturday's morale-boosting 2-1 win against Romsey Town.

Priory: (from) Loader, Costello, Taylor, Linpow, Hughes, Crutchley, Borthwick, Glasspool, Lawrence, Rideout, Cook, Woolner, Burrows, Midgley, Manning.