BASHLEY boss Steve Riley has been calling for his side to rediscover their "cutting edge" and they did so with aplomb in this comfortable victory over Stourbridge.

But it was no easy ride for the New Foresters in the first half as they were forced to battle hard against the visitors' impressive surge for an early goal.

Once Richard Gillespie had cracked the Recreation Ground outfit in front in the 28th minute, though, Bashley got a grip on the game.

Jeremy Tarr soon added a second and, despite Ross Collins' 49th-minute strike for Stourbridge, further goals from Gillespie and Nic Eastham made sure of a handsome Bashley triumph.

With Gillespie also having a third goal' ruled out for offside, it was Bashley's best performance of the season.

It also lifted them to within two points of the play-off places, following their subdued start to the campaign.

Riley, whose side had been beaten 3-0 at Gloucester only five days before, said: "In the first 25 minutes Stourbridge tried to pummel us and our defence did very well to hold firm.

"We settled down after that and once we started passing the ball, I don't think they could get near us.

"The confidence grew in the team and it was great Richard got two goals. We've been working hard on finishing with all the players in training and it has paid off.

"Richard is looking sharp in front of goal, we got our rewards on the pitch and it has boosted the lads' confidence ahead of our FA Cup game at Calne next Saturday."

Riley added: "We brought on James Rowe, who has been injured. He gives us a bit of composure in midfield and got us playing a bit of football.

"In the last 30 minutes, we played some fantastic stuff, and Nic came on and scored his first goal of the season, which was good."

Riley was quick to praise Barry Millard, who carries out his scouting reports on the opposition before matches, and said: "His reports are absolutely spot on.

"It's early days yet with this team. We're still gelling, but the lads are capable of turning in a performance like this again."

Bashley: Elm, Gazzard, Ferrett, Parnell, Castle, Knowles, Finlay, Rose (Rowe 60), Tarr (Eastham 45), Gillespie, Knight (Keeler 70). Unused subs: Sainsbury, Hollick.