Basingstoke Town won their fourth consecutive league game on Saturday, seeing off Beaconsfield Town 3-2 at Holloways Park, writes Jacob Wilkinson.

Aiming to put the disappointment of their FA Cup defeat in Stoneham last weekend behind them, ‘Stoke made the trip to Buckinghamshire with the opportunity to move within touching distance of the play-off spots – for the first time this season.

Basingstoke had a few sights of goal early on, with George Reid firing a shot narrowly wide, but it was Beaconsfield who came closest before the first drinks break – a looping header which hit the post, in the aftermath of the game’s first corner.

The visitors did break the deadlock after half an hour, however, through midfield man Ben Cook.

George Reid was dispossessed after a driving run into the box, but a misplaced pass immediately after was latched onto by Cook – who dinked the ball up before lashing a right-footed volley into the top corner. (0-1)

Basingstoke’s lead was short-lived, though, as the Rams levelled the game on the stroke of half-time. A spell of possession at the back resulted in a hoisted long ball into the penalty area, which was cleared by Billy Upton. Ibrahim Sankoh nodded it back into the box, to Dan Bradshaw, who directed the bouncing ball into the bottom-left corner. (1-1)

Basingstoke came out of half-time determined to reward their travelling fans – who had contributed to Beaconsfield’s second-largest league attendance in four years (377).

George Reid did exactly that 15 minutes into the second period, to regain ‘Stoke’s lead.

Marcus Johnson-Schuster made a positive run from right-back, before offloading to Ben Cook down the right flank. Cook cut the ball back to Reid, who drifted inside and whipped the ball into the far corner – his fifth away goal this campaign. (1-2)

‘Stoke had put a real focus on game management in the week building up to the game, and it showed, as they were far more defensively-astute than in recent matches.

There was still some late drama, however, as Basingstoke were awarded a penalty when Kai Hobbs was taken out as he prepared to tap home Brad Wilson’s cross.

There was a lengthy delay as Hobbs received treatment on the pitch, but Wilson eventually stepped up and smashed the spot kick past Matt Rowley in goal. (1-3)

Rams substitute Asher Yearwood headed home a corner deep into stoppage time, but it turned out to be only consolation – as Beaconsfield continue their hunt for a first win of the season. (2-3)

The result also means that all of Basingstoke’s last three league matches have ended with a 3-2 scoreline.

‘Stoke move up to seventh, with just goal difference separating them from Walton & Hersham in the play-off places.

Dan Brownlie’s side begin their defence of the Hampshire Senior Cup on Tuesday at Alresford Town, before they return to league action on Saturday – with a trip to Sholing.