BASHLEY boss Steve Riley admitted his side had been fortunate as they grabbed victory from a war of attrition at backmarkers Cirencester Town.

The New Forest club edged closer to safety following a dour clash at the Corinium Stadium on Saturday.

Josh Casey’s inswinging free-kick missed everyone in a crowded penalty area and bobbled inside the far post to hand Bash a victory that put six points between them and the drop zone – with just four games remaining.

Cirencester, whose relegation was confirmed with this result, had enjoyed most of the possession in the second half, but created few chances, and Bash held out comfortably.

Riley said: “I think Cirencester were a bit unfortunate as it had 0-0 written all over it.

“We were a bit fortunate with the goal but it was a great delivery aimed at the far post and you always have a chance in those situations.

“There was a bit of relief around the camp. There wasn’t any atmosphere in the ground and it was a lively pitch which made for a difficult 90 minutes, but credit to all the lads for doing their jobs. It was a massive three points.”

In a physical clash, the home side felt they were on the rough end of some decisions by referee Sian Massey, but Riley added that he felt the high-profile Premier League official had a good game.

He said: “There were a few half-hearted appeals for penalties but I thought the referee controlled the game really well and let the game flow. I don’t think anyone can complain about any of the officials.”

Bash host local rivals and play-off chasers AFC Totton at the Recreation Ground today (3pm), with the visitors out of sorts after just two wins in 11 league matches.

Riley added: “If we can get a couple of positive results together then we could find ourselves in the top half of the table – there are that many teams around us.

“We’re going to try to finish as high as we can but, first and foremost, we just want to make sure we’re in this league next season.

“Saturday’s result makes it a lot easier to prepare for the Totton game. It would be nice to get our own back for the Boxing Day defeat at their place.”

Bash: Kearn, Smith, Strugnell, Middleton, Whitley, Casey, Gillespie, Allen, Stokoe, Gamble (Green, 78), Oliver. Unused subs: Penny, Vokes, Foster, Gazzard.