DELIGHTED boss Steve Riley saw Bashley record their first Southern League win of the season and then hailed comeback king Matt Parnell.

The defender put a 10-month injury nightmare behind him when he came off the bench to cap the victory at Chippenham Town with a finely-taken third goal.

Riley said: "Matt was injured at Chippenham when we played them in the FA Cup at the start of last season and it's been a long road back for him.

"He has battled back after having a big operation and we needed him to come on at half-time. He was absolutely fantastic.

"He came through pre-season but this was his first league game since he sustained the injury. He put a few demons to rest and, for me, that was the highlight of the day."

Parnell put the finishing touches to Bashley's triumph when he met a Chris Ferrett free kick in the 61st minute to put the visitors 3-1 ahead.

Earlier, Richard Gillespie had experienced a bitter-sweet moment when he fired Bashley into a 10th-minute lead - only to sustain an injury at the same time.

"We had to substitute him eventually but he should be okay," said Riley. "It was an impact injury to his knee and he was caught by a defender as he was putting the ball into the net."

Former Cherries youngster Matt Finlay restored Bashley's lead when he was picked out by Aidan Sainsbury's excellent free kick six minutes before the break.

"We had one or two chances to go even further ahead in the second half but Chippenham put us under a lot of pressure as well," said Riley.

"The win has been a long time coming. We've been playing well and been threatening teams but haven't had any luck.

"We had a little bit of luck today. They put us under a lot of pressure as they chased the game in the second half but the lads stood firm and our goalkeeper Steve Hollick was outstanding."