CIRENCESTER Town's survival hopes took another massive blow last night as they were swept aside 3-0 by a classy Bashley outfit at a wind-swept Corinium Stadium.

Bashley, currently occupying the final play-off spot in the Premier Division, were two goals up inside 13 minutes as Ciren once again showed their frailty at the back.

The first came after just five minutes, Pete Castle heading home from six yards from Chris Ferrett's dangerous inswinging corner from the right.

It should have been 2-0 five minutes later when Craig Davies crossed to the unmarked Dave Town at the far post, but Matty Bulman managed to smother his shot.

Bashley didn't have to wait long for their second however as Aiden Sainsbury's deep cross was nodded back across goal by Davies and Richard Gillespie was on hand to volley home from close range.

Cirencester were struggling to get out of their own half, and they almost went further behind when Davies's long throw dropped to Town 10 yards out, but the Bashley midfielder scuffed his shot straight at Bulman.

The Ciren custodian was called into action again after 18 minutes, diving full length to his right to deny Sainsbury after a neat run and cross from Gillespie.

The home fans were made to wait 27 minutes for a shot on goal, although Harry Etheridge's wild effort never tested David Elm in the Bashley goal.

The first opening for Ciren came on the half hour mark, when Matt Shaxton's knock-down dropped to strike partner Ashan Holgate, but the former Swindon Town man took a heavy touch and the chance went begging.

Bashley finished the half as they started, on top, and Ryan Moss went close to a third goal with an ambitious overhead kick. Bulman misjudged Ferrett's cross, and when Town prodded the ball back into the six yard box, Moss angled his acrobatic effort just wide of the upright.

Ciren needed to make a positive start to the second half, but instead Bashley hammered another nail in their coffin.

A long throw from Chris Knowles caused panic inside the Centurions' six yard box and amid a flurry of feet Moss poked the ball beyond the helpless Bulman.

Andy Chapman's tame free kick after 59 minutes was Ciren's first effort on target and manager Adie Viveash responded by making a triple substitution, Nick Stanley, Steve Robertson and John Else all getting their chance to impress.

It was Andy Chapman however, easily the home side's best player, who went closest to pulling a goal back, his dipping free kick well held by Elm beneath his own crossbar.

As the minutes ticked away Ciren continued to ask questions of the Bashley defence, but the final ball was often rushed and the visitors easily cleared their lines.

Robertson saw his looping header safely held by Elm and then kicked the advertising boards in frustration. It was that kind of night.

The result leaves Ciren marooned five points from safety in the Premier Division with games fast running out.

Chippenham Town should be at full strength for the visit of Hitchin Town tonight as the Bluebirds look to get their Premier Division challenge back on track.

Saturday's 1-0 reverse at rivals Tiverton Town was a set-back for manager Adie Mings, pictured, but Chippenham's record at Hardenhuish Park has been excellent this season.