BASHLEY boss Steve Riley was disappointed with the way they conceded three goals inside the opening 47 minutes against play-off-chasing rivals Hemel Hempstead.

But he has challenged his players to respond to a rare home reverse by bouncing back to top form in another promotion six-pointer against Team Bath at the Recreation Ground tomorrow.

Bashley, playing in front of a bumper 403 crowd, let their supporters down with an abject first half performance.

They were forced to play second fiddle as Paul Edgeworth and Chris Dillon scored the goals that put Hemel in charge before Ian Cooper added a third just after the break.

At 3-0 down, it looked curtains for Bashley, but substitute Justin Keeler turned the game around with a rousing performance after stepping off the bench.

He set up Chris Knowles' headed goal from a cross and then combined with Richard Gillespie to provide Ryan Moss with a chance the striker took well.

It was not enough, however, as Bashley lost for only the second time at home in the league this season, and they still have work to do to consolidate their play-off place.

Riley said: "A lot of players had off days, and if you get five or six under performing against a team like Hemel, you will put yourselves under pressure and that is what we did.

"Going 3-0 down so early in the second half was a massive psychological blow for us.

"But then Justin came on and changed the game for us. He worked tirelessly and put the effort in for 25 minutes.

"To be honest, we were unfortunate not to equalise. We got one back through Chris and then a good finish from Ryan made it 3-2.

"We had one or two late chances but you can't afford to play for only 35 minutes against a team like Hemel and give them three goals like we did.

"The defeat doesn't make it any easier for us and we missed Pete Castle, who was suspended, big style, although Hemel were a good team, who travel well.

"We're still in a good position, fifth with games in hand. It's up to us to stay where we are.

"We have to pick ourselves up ready for Team Bath at home tomorrow.

"We had players who were below the standards we set. I know we can't do it every game, and it was just one of those days.

"If you look at our last eight or nine games and spread them out, it's good form, but I was disappointed at how we conceded the goals.

"The lads are disappointed, but I know they will pick themselves up and be ready for Team Bath.

Bashley: Elm, Knowles, Gazzard, Ferrett, Middleton, Smith, Knowles, Sainsbury (Keeler 65), Town, Moss, Gillespie. Unused subs: Harper, Burch, Brock, Riley.