BASHLEY'S hopes of Dr Martens Premier Division football next term were finally put to bed as old demons reared their heads again to send them crashing to defeat.

Goals conceded from set pieces, coupled with an inability to convert chances, have been the twin curses of Bashley's erratic campaign.

And it was somewhat fitting that their flickering hopes of making the final promotion slot were extinguished by the double headaches that have blighted their season.

Two first-half goals conceded from corners were the root of the problem for John Robson's men, while glaring misses from Gareth Keeping and Stuart Cannie exacerbated the troubles further.

Although Richard Gillespie pulled a goal back in second-half injury time, it was too late for Bash who will remain a Dr Martens Eastern outfit for at least one more term.

But boss Robson remained positive despite the disappointing outcome of their season.

He said: "Ashford had two chances to score and scored two goals. If we go a goal up, we're probably the most difficult side in the league to beat. But if we go a goal down, we do look vulnerable.

"The players I've got here are very good at this level but they need to be able to put things right on the pitch when they start going wrong.

"We have a good nucleus for the squad here and I don't need to add too much over the summer. We need a nasty centre-half and a ball-winner in midfield as when we have the ball we're fine, but when we don't we fall short.

"I'm very upbeat about it all and looking forward to having the squad for a whole pre-season this year.

"The players will be much fitter for next season and if we can fill the little holes in the squad, we should be in good shape."

Keeping spooned a gilt-edged chance over and Cannie fired wide after he had created a clear opening himself as Bash started the brighter.

But goals from first Joby Thorogood and then Barry Gardner put the Kent side two ahead at the break.

Skipper Danny Gibbons and substitute Gillespie both came close to hauling their side back into the game but the teenage striker did rap in a stunning effort to make it 13 for the season for him.

Bashley: Elm, Morant (Mamadousa 75), Darnton, Mat Jones, Connelly, Wakefield, Keeping, Gee, Lisk, Gibbons (Gillespie 70), Cannie. Unused subs: Harvell, Mark Jones.