BOSS Steve Riley saw Bashley secure their Southern League Premier Division status with a 2-2 draw and then praised his players for holding their nerve during the run-in.

Bash had headed to Bedford Town knowing a point would guarantee safety and promptly raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to first-half goals from Mark Gamble and James Stokoe.

Goalkeeper Stewart Kearn saved a penalty from Ollie Thorne before James Hatch and Graham Clark both netted to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

Riley said: “I thought a draw was a fair result. We knew a point would be good enough to keep us up, although results elsewhere went in our favour and we would have been safe anyway.

“We are unbeaten in four games and the pressure has been on over the past few weeks.

“We have got a few young lads in the squad and they have really stood up to the task.

“I have been really pleased with the way they have handled the situation. It has been a nervous time for a few clubs and we have come through with flying colours.

“I am delighted for everybody associated with the club. People behind the scenes put in a lot of effort and hard work and we have secured our place in this division for another season.”

Gamble and Stokoe put Bash in the driving seat before the Eagles were rewarded for a stirring second-half comeback when Clark levelled two minutes from time.

Riley added: “They threw everything at us and had nothing to lose. They played a very attacking formation and took the game to us in the second half. We had a few counter-attacks but just couldn’t get a third goal.”

Bash: Kearn, Smith (Allen 75), Strugnell, Middleton, Whitley, Casey, Oliver, Gamble, Stokoe, Gillespie, Green. Unused subs: Vokes, Penny, Ferrett, Prodomo (g/k).