DAVE Turner feels fortunate to be able to call on the goalscoring prowess of Mark Barnes, who hit his 20th of the season as Bassett beat their local rivals last weekend.

Barnes put his side ahead midway through the first half and, after Shannon Pocock’s penalty levelled matters at Rylands Way, Barnes pounced again to seal all three points for Turner’s men.

Boss Turner is delighted with the role former Highworth Town and Swindon Supermarine man Barnes has played in his side’s impressive start to the campaign but expects the frontman to continue to attract interest from other clubs this season.

“He’s been fantastic for us so far but it’s not just been his goals but the fact that he’s become a huge part of our dressing room,” said Turner.

“He’s a lovely lad and he’s been a pleasure to work with. He’s played at a higher level but he’s got a young family and his work means that he can’t commit to the long journeys away or training twice a week. We’re right on his doorstep so it’s a case of right time, right club for us.

“He’s had one club put seven days in for him this season and two others have tried to speak to him directly.

“One Western League club offered him a substantial amount of money to join them but he’s stayed with us and we’re happy to have him.”

Bassett sit three points behind league leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp with two games in hand but Turner is refusing to get carried away by his side’s healthy league position.

He added: “We’re second in the table after 10 games but it won’t mean anything until we’re second in the table after 28 games.

“We’re going to keep working hard because there’s more to come from my team.”

Adam Corcoran and Mark Bennett should return for the trip to Carterton this weekend.