Horndean praised for ‘professional performance’ in Wessex victory at Bashley

Alfie Lis, right, was on target for Horndean in their win at Bashley. Picture: Vernon Nash

Mann, taking charge for his second game with manager Michael Birmingham suspended, notched up another win.

Goals from Alfie Lis and substitute Bobby Scott gave the visitors their deserved success against a Bashley side who had won 10 of their previous 14 home league matches.

'Bashley is always a very tough place to go and we put in a very professional performance,' said Mann.

'We had a game plan and the team stuck to it.

'I am more than pleased with the way the players applied themselves.

'In fact it could easily have been five because we missed three other golden opportunities.

'We knew Bashley like to play the ball out from the back so we pressed them high up the pitch.

'The idea was to force them to make mistakes on the heavy pitch and that is what happened.'

Horndean took a 15th-minute lead after Fuzz Kanjanda nicked the ball on the left-hand side.

His cross found Lis, who took a touch before slotting the ball under the advancing goalkeeper.

Before the break the visitors missed two great chances to extend their lead.

Greg Peel did all the hard work before firing wide with only the keeper to beat.

Then Peel went for glory instead of squaring the ball to an unmarked Liam Kimber in front of goal.

Horndean finally stretched their lead on 65 minutes when Peel cut to the byline and picked out Scott who easily netted his 20th league and cup goal of 2019/20.

The game became scrappy but the visitors kept their shape to see the game out.

The win did come at a cost, however, with Horndean losing Ben Anderson and Louie Martin to injuries.

The Deans are back in action this Thursday against title-chasing Christchurch at Five Heads Park.