BASINGSTOKE Town deserved at least a point from their game against Maidstone United, but when your luck is down everything goes against you.

This was the case on Saturday afternoon at the Camrose, as the Dragons lost to Nathan Smart’s own goal.

The Kent side third in the National League South and unbeaten in 10 games never really carved out a clear cut scoring opportunity all afternoon.

They won with a goal three minutes after half-time as Callum Driver’s whipped in cross hit Smart at the back post and left Aaron Howe with no chance.

The home side added new loan signing from Bournemouth, 19-year-old defender Callum Buckley to their squad and he was on the subs bench for the game.

They were also forced into changes to their line-up with captain David Ray injured, so Jay Gasson took over as skipper.

It also meant Smart returned to the defence and Louie Soares came into the midfield, but he only lasted 13 minutes, as a clash of heads with Manny Parry left him with a nasty cut above his eye and he had to be replaced by Harrison Gilkes.

The first 45 minutes saw Maidstone dominate possession, but it was Basingstoke who had the much better chances.

Midfielder Simon Dunn forced visiting goalkeeper Lee Worgan into a save in the seventh minute.

From a home corner Joe Healy so nearly headed into his own, but Worgan came to the rescue as he tipped the effort over the bar.

Then in the final minute of the half, Liam Enver-Marum was given space by Parry and his shot across the goal mouth just went wide of the opposite upright.

After the break, the home side conceded early on, but continued to push forward. Enver-Marum tested Worgan on the turn and the lively Guiseppe Sole saw his half volley go just wide.

Some nice link-up play between Gilkes and sub Lloyd Macklin saw Chris Flood just unable to convert.

As the half wore on Town dominated more and just before the end, Enver-Marum was put through and only a good save from Worgan denied him.

The same striker had a chance in added on time, but the ball was taken off his head.

Basingstoke are next in action on Saturday, when they travel to Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Trophy.

Basingstoke: Howe, Smart, Bird, Harper, Gasson, Rice, Soares (sub Gilkes 13mins), Dunn, Enver-Marum, Flood, Sole (sub Macklin 67 mins). Subs (not used): Williams, Buckley, Salmon.

Maidstone: Worgan, Driver, Mills, Coyle, Parry, Paxman (sub Rogers 83mins), Bodkin, Healy, May, Birchall (sub Collin 74 mins), Taylor (sub Fisler 77 mins). Subs (not used): Brown, Akrofi.

Att 611 Gazette Star Man – Liam Enver-Marum really worked his socks off all game and deserved a goal for his efforts.