BASINGSTOKE Town were narrowly beaten 1-0 by visiting play-off chasing Paulton Rovers, in a game they deserved a point from.

The home side were forced to make two changes to the side which beat Mangotsfield last time out with loanee Alfie Saunders having returned to Forest Green, while Harrison Cliff was out injured.

Into the starting line-up came Josh Edwards and D’Andre Brown.

The Dragons started brightly with Dean Stow and Ben Cook denied early on.

Then taking advantage of the wind, Adam Everiss from a corner nearly forced an own goal.

The home side were then given a let off as Edward Butcher with a shot from distance crashed back off the post.

Town replied as Claudio Herbert and George Hallahan combined for Cook, but his effort is tipped over the bar.

The visitors then forced Aaron Watkins in the home goal to make a couple of good saves as the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

After the interval, it was very even contest as home side matched their visiting opponents.

However, on 79 minutes Paulton Rovers scored what turned out to be the winner.

Edward Butcher's wind assisted corner went over a crowd of players and then hit team mate Dave Sims Burgess ending up in the back of the net.

As the game headed into injury time Town look for an equaliser with Brad Wilson in his last game for the team before departing to Australia went close and George Hallahan had a shot cleared off the line.

After the game Town manager Dan Brownlie said: “It is a tough one to take today as we undoubtedly deserved something from the game. I am proud of the performance the boys put in this afternoon.”

Town are back in action on Monday night, when they travel to another play-off chasing side Melksham.