The Angels bounced back from two consecutive league defeats to earn a point at playoff chasing Bashley on Saturday. Jon Main and Fraser Logan both went close for the Angels whilst Richard Gillespie had the game’s clearest opportunity at the other end.

Following defeats to Met Police and Tooting in the last week, player-boss Tony Dolby opted for a change in formation to 5-3-2. Jerome John returned from a long layoff to replace Mikele Czanner between the sticks for the visitors whilst Ray Powell began the match at right wing-back, allowing John Beales to move to the centre alongside skipper Steve Aris and Brighton youngster Steve May. Fellow loanee Lee Carey returned to slot into the centre of midfield to partner Fraser Logan and Dolby himself. Leroy Huggins began with Jon Main up front.

Leroy Huggins had a couple of efforts blocked by home defenders whilst Fraser Logan came closest with a stinging drive comfortably saved by the impressive David Elm. At the other end, Bashley had chances to break the deadlock but couldn’t find a way past Jerome John. Andy Culliford struck the outside of the post and Dave Wakefield drilled a free-kick against the wall before Mark Preston limped off with an Achilles tendon injury. Danny Gibbons shot over, just prior to Richard Gillespie’s glorious chance. Gibbons flicked the ball on to the unmarked Gillespie who had time to bring the ball down and strike powerfully, but wide of the goal. The scores remained level at the break.

In 50th minute, Fraser Logan had a header cleared off the line by Steve Riley before the same man poked an effort wide of the goal. Jon Main put the Angel’s best chance over with 20 minutes remaining following Lee Carey’s parried effort. With the Angels dominating the final quarter of an hour, Main and Huggins were unable to make any impression on the scoreline before Ray Powell summed up the frustrating afternoon by blazing a free-kick high and wide in injury time.

The point now moves the Angels up to third in the table but has now collected just the solitary point from the last nine available. Undoubtedly, the Angels will be looking to bounce back against another play-off hopeful in Leatherhead next Saturday at Longmead.

Report by: Gary Cornwell