BOSS Steve Riley was torn between jubilation and disappointment following Bashley’s 1-1 draw with Premier Division leaders Brackley Town at Bashley Road.

Eastleigh loan star Richard Gillespie opened the scoring with a composed finish four minutes before the break to put Riley’s men on course for a shock victory.

However, ex-Derby and Chesterfield striker Marvin Robinson popped up with an equaliser four minutes from time to earn high-flying Saints a share of the spoils.

Riley said: “It shows just how far we have come that the lads were disappointed only to have drawn with the leaders. Overall, we were pleased because we probably would have taken a point beforehand.

“I was chuffed with the way we defended. Brackley are a threat going forward but we were ruthless and threw bodies on the line.”

Riley, who hailed Cherries loan defender Dan Strugnell as “outstanding”, added: “We are unbeaten in three home games and have come a long way since the turn of the year. We have got to kick on and try to get as many points as we can for the rest of the season.”

Bash: Kearn, Smith, Strugnell, Middleton, Whitley, Casey, Gillespie, Allen, Stokoe, Gamble, Oliver. Unused subs: Green, Foster, Penny, Hill, Digby (g/k).