BASINGSTOKE Town manager Frank Gray has challenged his side to bounce back from their FA Trophy exit by beating local rivals Salisbury City tomorrow night.

Sean Canham’s 23rd minute header proved to be decisive as Town crashed out of the FA Trophy away at Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Bath City on Saturday.

It was a good display by underdogs Basingstoke, who bossed the game for long periods in the second half but failed to make the most of their chances.

Gray said: “There are a lot of positives to take but it’s a game we should not have lost.

“We had a really good go in the second half but it’s not good enough saying that. We showed a lot of energy, got into some decent positions and created some good openings – but we did not test the goalkeeper enough.”

Town now face a run of three local derbies against sides below them in the Blue Square Bet South table, starting with the visit of Salisbury tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).

“We have got to react and bounce back from today,” Gray said.

“We need to show the same levels of performance and desire in every game.

“They are important games but we have to take them one at a time and make sure we get three points.

“I’m fed up with the lads playing well but not winning and would take us not playing so well if it meant we won.”

Ashley Bayes and Shaun McAuley came through the game at Bath without any problems, while Delano Sam-Yorke continued his comeback from the bench.

Town will be without winger Matt Warner, who is on a course in America for two weeks, while Jide Ogunbote is out with a groin strain, but Adam Mekki could make his comeback after a knee problem.

See The Monday Gazette for a full report from Town’s trip to Bath – and log on to basingstokegazette.co.uk/sport for live updates from The Camrose tomorrow night.