BASINGSTOKE Town found Southern League Division One South league leaders Frome Town too hot to handle, as they crashed to an 8-0 defeat in Somerset.

The Dragons made three changes to the side which lost at Bristol Manor Farm last week.

In came two new signings goalkeeper Sonny Wheeler and centre-half Durell Brown to make their debuts.

Wheeler was signed from Bracknell Town and Brown arrived from Fleet Town.

The only other change saw Harrison Cliff return to the starting line-up from the bench.

They replaced injured goalkeeper Freddie Gee, suspended Jordan Edwards and winger Riccardo Andrady.

It did not start well for the Dragons as Frome took the lead after six minutes as Rob Hobbs’ shot found the back of the net.

The lead was doubled in the 19th minute, after an excellent header from Martin Lenihan.

The home side then added two more before the break, Rex Mannings scored from close range and then Daniel Cottle made it 4-0 at the break as the Robins were really on song.

Frome continued to dominate after the interval, and it took them just five minutes to add number five, as Mannings scored his second of the afternoon.

Cottle then netted twice more to complete his hat-trick. The second one coming from the penalty spot. 

It was left to Kane Simpson to wrap up the scoring 11 minutes from time, as he scored from just outside the box.

The loss Basingstoke’s fifth on the trot, saw them slip into the bottom two.

Town are next in action this Saturday at home, when Bideford will be the visitors.