BASINGSTOKE Town’s new manager Dan Brownlie suffered his first league defeat since taking charge, as his side lost 4-2 at high flying Paulton Rovers.

The Dragons made two changes to the side which made their FA Trophy exit last week, as striker Ben Wright returned from injury and Ryan Suckling was back from suspension.

Their inclusion meant that Adam Everiss and Claudio Herbert dropped to the bench.

The visitors had the first chance as Wright fed Zach Robinson, but he fired wide.

The home side then took the lead on 11 minutes, as a free-kick from Ed Butcher was met by the head of Ryan Gay.

Soon after, Town’s Aaron Kuhl, ironically born in Paulton, had a shot from distance which Rovers goalkeeper Joseph Perry pushed over the bar.

The home side then nearly doubled their advantage as Braeden Symes and Dave Sims combined well, before Gay put the ball wide of the post.

Basingstoke’s Suckling then saw his shot clip the bar, before Town goalie Chris Rackley made an excellent stop to deny Butcher as the score stayed 1-0 at half-time.

Just after the hour mark, the home side doubled their lead from the penalty spot thanks to Ben Bament.

This was after Gay had been brought down in the area by Rackley.

The visitors made a double change on 65 minutes with Everiss and Herbert coming on for Ben Cook and Jordan Edwards.

Just four minutes later Town opened their account as once again Wright fed his strike partner Robinson and this time he found the net.

The Dragons roared again seven minutes later, as Robinson grabbed his second of the game as he headed home a long ball over the top from Alfie Saunders.

With 10 minutes left the score was still 2-2, but Town’s hopes of a draw were dashed as Edward Butcher scored with a lovely volley.

The visitors came looking for an equaliser and Everiss forced Perry into a save and then the home goalkeeper saved the blushes of defender Ben Withey, as his clearance nearly ended up being an own goal.

The home side made the game safe four minutes into added on time as David Sims-Burgess scored their fourth.

The result saw Rovers stay third in the table and Town are 16th.

Basingstoke have no game this coming Saturday being next in action on November 16 away at Willand Rovers.