LIAM Enver-Marum’s last-minute strike earned Basingstoke Town a vital win in their battle for promotion from the Vanarama Conference South.

Town hit the woodwork twice in the early stages and it looked like it might not be their night when Jamie Lucas put Weston super Mare ahead after 19 minutes.

The visitors remained in front at half-time, but Basingstoke’s luck seemed to have changed when an own goal levelled the game just before the hour.

Enver-Marum became the third home player to rattle the frame of the goal soon after, his spectacular volley from 30 yards smacking against the crossbar. However, the striker was not to be denied, claiming the winner with an instinctive strike from just inside the area.

The victory means that Town remain third in the Vanarama Conference South, six points clear of sixth-placed Gosport Borough, having played a game less.

Basingstoke manager Jason Bristow made two changes to the side that had scored a late goal to draw with Chelmsford, Manny Williams and Louie Soares coming in for Jay Gasson and Simon Dunn as the hosts reverted to a midfield diamond.

They were inches away from taking the lead in the second minute, Rob Dickie heading Soares’ corner against the top of the crossbar.

The game was incredibly open in the early stages, with both sides creating plenty of chances.

Dayle Grubb and Lucas both went close from distance for the visitors, while Enver-Marum’s header from a Tom Bird cross was smothered by Weston goalkeeper Luke Purnell.

Soares saw his effort deflected narrowly wide, with David Ray going even closer from the resulting corner, his downward header hitting the post.

Grubb forced Moore into a save and also curled a shot inches wide as the game continued to ebb and flow, with Manny Williams going close for Town.

It was the visitors who made the breakthrough on 19 minutes. A mistake from Soares gifted the ball to Weston deep in Town territory and Lucas found space to turn and fire home from the edge of the area.

Town struggled to create chances after going behind, but they ended the half on top. Shaun McAuley’s drive was blocked by the legs of Purnell, Williams found the side netting from an acute angle, Lloyd Macklin was unlucky to see his effort cleared off the line, having been half-saved by Purnell, while Soares was also denied by the goalkeeper.

The second half got off to something of a scrappy start, with Ray having to make a couple of good challenges to prevent the visitors getting through on goal.

However, Town managed to pull themselves level on 59 minutes. Bird put Soares in down the left side of the area and his driven cross smacked into the face of defender Jordan Tillson, rebounding into the net.

Jamie Edge headed a corner wide as Weston looked to respond, but Basingstoke then got on top, pushing for a second goal.

Enver-Marum was unfortunate to see his outstanding volley crash against the crossbar, having beaten Purnell from 30 yards, while Dickie headed a corner narrowly wide.

Grubb saw his shot deflected narrowly over on a rare foray forward for the visitors, but the pressure was soon back on at the other end, McAuley, James Harper and substitute Chris Flood all going close.

Weston sub Oliver Watkins could have won the game for the visitors, but his touch let him down, and Enver-Marum made him pay in the final minute.

A poor header fell to Flood, who beat a couple of men before finding Enver-Marum just inside the area. The striker took the shot early, turning and firing into the far corner in one movement.

There was one nervy moment in the three additional minutes, Joe McClennan’s low cross fizzing across the face of goal, but Town held on to claim an important win.

Click here to watch a post-match interview with Basingstoke Town manager Jason Bristow

PLAYER RATINGS

Stuart Moore – 7 (out of 10)

A couple of poor clearances aside, did all that was asked of him. No chance with the goal and made three or four decent stops.

Robbie Rice – 8

A really good display from the right-back. Got forward, rarely gave the ball away and didn’t put a foot wrong defensively.

Tom Bird – 7

Another solid display. Defended well and supported attacks whenever possible.

James Harper – 7

Covered a lot of ground and did a good job of protecting the back four.

Rob Dickie – 7

Solid as ever at the back and caused problems going forward for set-pieces.

David Ray – 8 (Gazette Star Man)

Made a string of crucial tackles, blocks and interceptions.

Louie Soares – 7

At fault for the Weston goal and struggled at times, but his driven cross resulted in the equaliser.

Shaun McAuley – 7

Busy throughout. Not always the right end product, but he worked hard and caused plenty of problems.

Liam Enver-Marum – 8

Worked really hard to close down the Weston defenders and did a good job as Town’s target man. Unlucky not to score with a terrific effort but stayed patient and took his chance at the end.

Lloyd Macklin – 7

Caused problems with his pace. Unlucky not to score in the first half.

Manny Williams – 7

One of his quieter games, but still had an impact in the hole behind the front two.

SUBSTITUTES

Chris Flood (for Williams 74min) – 7

Set up the winner with his pace and willingness to run at defenders.

Subs (not used): Gasson, Jenkinson, Smart, Dunn

Weston super Mare: Purnell, Mitchell, Llewellyn, Edge, Tillson, Fortune, Cane (sub McClennan 65min), Ash, Lucas (sub Watkins 79min), Grubb, King (sub Mawford 62min)

Subs (not used): Davis, Gould

Attendance: 431

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