Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Bashley take on Sporting Wessex in Quarter Final Clash

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Bashley FC players warming up
Bashley FC players warming up at the Veho Community Stadium. Credit: Will Russell

Bashley host step 7 side Sporting Wessex this evening in the quarter final of the Southampton Senior Cup.

In the last round, Bashley came out victorious after an emphatic 7-2 thumping over Fordingbridge Turks, another familiar step 7 side.

A win for Bashley could see them move into the semi-finals, providing a timely distraction away from their disappointing league campaign so far.

Defender, Harvey Bertrand, said: “I feel like the cup is extremely important not only for the players but for the fans and the club as well.

“It’s something to distract us from the league and to go all the way and win it would be huge for us”.

Despite just one home league win all season, the hosts have found a new winning formula at home in the cup and will be looking for that run to continue.

Bertrand urges the fans to get behind the team in what could be another strong home performance.

‘They’ve been so crucial for us this season, when times have been tough, they haven’t turned their back on us.

‘We know we haven’t been good enough this season, but their support means everything to us players, and we need them to get us over the line once again this evening”.

Bashley have had a torrid start to their league campaign finding themselves 21st in the Southern League Division One South, six points away from safety.

However, the mood in the camp remains positive with hope that their cup run can be pivotal to turning around their league form.

Bertrand said: “Yeah we have a good group who are all fighting for the same cause, it’s been tough, but the gaffer has been brilliant.

“He’s kept us ticking over and picked us up when we’ve needed it and the squads in a good place mentally”.

Sporting Wessex themselves sit second in the Premier Saturday Football League, coming off the back of their 3-1 win against Fawley AFC in the previous round of the Southampton Senior Cup.

With five points of league leaders Fordingbridge Turks with two games in hand, Sporting Wessex will be looking to turn their league form into cup glory at the Veho Community Stadium.