THE demise of Pure Spartan continued in Basingstoke and District League Division One on Saturday, the early favourites losing their third league match in a row.

Hook Reserves were the team to beat them this week, emerging 4-1 winners, thanks in part to several first-team players turning out for the reserves after their game against Old Basing was called off.

In contrast, Pure had just 11 players available and Hook went ahead through Dan Framp in the first half. Lawrence Wright made it 2-0 on 67 minutes and while Ross Mortlock’s penalty got Pure back into the game, further goals from Framp and Peter Pike saw Hook home.

Overton United A were able to call on some of the club’s reserve team players and they beat Welly Old Boys Reserves 2-1. Ross Cook scored both of Overton’s goals, the second from the penalty spot, while Mike Morey was on target for Welly.

Overton United B are up to third in the Division Two table after beating Basingstoke Labour Club 2-0.

Darren White opened the scoring from the penalty spot after nine minutes and while Nathan Hollis hit the bar for Labour, Pete Martins doubled the lead on 38 minutes to secure three points.

Bottom side Sherborne St John Reserves were beaten 4-1 by visiting Basingstoke Athletic. The strugglers took an early lead through Connor Perris but goals from Ashley Russell and James Lounton had Athletic ahead at the break, with further strikes from Russell and Wade Costello completing the win.