BASINGSTOKE Royals went seven points clear at the top of the Basingstoke and District Saturday League premier division after they beat Tron 3-1 last weekend.

This was the only game of local programme to escape the weather – after being switched to the Peter Houseman Playing Field in Oakley – and, although the pitch did cut up a little, it was quite playable.

When these two teams met earlier in the season Royals had a very easy 3-0 victory, but this time Tron manager Darren Hutchins felt it was mush closer affair and, with a little luck, his side might have taken something from the leaders.

Royals took just 10 minutes to establish a 2-0 lead as inter passing between Scott Roberts and Ashley Taylor led to a centre not being cleared and Dean Ridgers netted from close range.

Roberts was the provider for the second with Richard Willcock the scorer this time.

Ridgers then dragged a chance wide going for his second, before Royals goalie Richard Munday saved a 25-yard shot from Ross Cook and then pushed away Tom Simmonds’ effort after he had been put through by Chris Laversher.

Tron certainly had more of the ball after the break as Dave Parry forced another save and then Munday punched a well struck Cook free-kick over the bar.

They then pulled a goal back on 70 minutes after Peter Amps’ strong run. His cross found Simmonds at the far post and he headed across goal for new signing Michael Duerden to scored with a spectacular overhead kick.

However, it was the Royals who grabbed a third four minutes from time – from Nick Willcock on a quick breakaway after Munday had saved Cook’s one-on-one.