BASINGSTOKE Town’s Academy side were unlucky to go down to a 2-1 defeat away at league leaders Bashley last Friday.

Things looked bleak when Town went behind after just 40 seconds but they fought back well and equalised through Kylem Lewis midway through the first half.

Basingstoke had chances to go ahead after the break, twice seeing efforts cleared off the line, and it was Bashley who got the winner from a set-piece with 10 minutes to go.

Next up for the youngsters is a home game against Southampton (Bath), who sit third in the table, on Wednesday.

Trials for September’s intake of 16-year-olds into the Town academy are taking place over the coming months.

The trials will take place on February 18, April 8, April 15 and May 13 at the Camrose. More information can be found and places booked by visiting scl-online.co.uk.