BASINGSTOKE Town succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in their Blue Square South trip to St Albans City on Tuesday night.

The Camrose club were second best throughout the first half and the home side took a deserved lead after 29 minutes, James Fisher smashing the ball in after the Town defence failed to properly clear a cross.

Worse was to follow soon after, Steve Laidler picking up two bookings in as many minutes to receive his marching orders.

Town improved in the second half but could not find a way through, though Robert Rice should have scored when presented with an open goal, blasting his volley over the bar.

Craig Atkinson conceded a penalty in the closing stages and while he did well to save Drew Roberts’ effort, he was rounded by Gary Cohen before the winger scored from an acute angle in injury-time.

See Thursday’s Gazette for a full report.