BASHLEY go into tomorrow's Dr Martens Eastern Division home clash with Hastings Town buoyed by news that Craig Davis has signed a new two-year contract.

The 19-year-old defender, already a Hampshire senior squad representative, is held in very high regard at the Recreation Ground. And assistant manager Trevor Senior believes Davis' decision to extend his contract is a tribute to Bashley's ambition.

Senior said: "Craig has done very well, especially in the last couple of games. We are delighted he's signed and I think it shows how committed we are to building a team for the future."

Bashley have enjoyed a rest this week after Tues-day's Hampshire Senior Cup tie against Poppies was called-off.

Senior admits this could work in the New Forest-ers' favour.

He said: "We didn't have a match 10 days prior to the Salisbury game last Saturday and we looked very sharp as a result.

"Hastings is one of those games which we have got to be looking to win.

"They are a mid-table side and, with a difficult game away to Chelmsford next week, we are going to need three points against Hastings to keep us in touch with the leaders."

Senior added: "We've got two cup games in two days against Dorchester and Poppies this week but the league is our main priority.

"I think we've got enough strength in depth to cope with it."

Simon Elley (dead leg) and Simon James (back strain), who missed Bash's superb 1-0 FA Um-bro Cup win over Salis-bury City, are expected to be passed fit while Paul Masters returns from a one-match suspension.

Bashley: (from) May, Darnton, Davis, Elley, James, Goss, T Diaz, J Diaz, Gee, Masters, Vanninen, Robson, Young, Puckett, Cooper, Higgins.