BASINGSTOKE Town lost for the first time in four games, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat in their National League South basement battle at Havant and Waterlooville.

Once again, Westleigh Park proved not to be a happy hunting ground for the Dragons, as like in the FA Trophy loss earlier this season, they were narrowly beaten again.

The Hawks’ victory saw them move off the bottom to be replaced by St Albans City beaten 4-1 by Oxford City.

This means City now have a worse goal difference than Basingstoke with the sides level on 22 points.

Town gave a debut to new goalkeeper Dan Lincoln, the 20-year-old having played for Hayes and Yeading having come through the Reading Academy.

The game winner in this latest derby game between these Hampshire rivals came three minutes from time.

Scott Donnelly picked the ball up on the edge of the area and found Matt Paterson who fired home.

The loss means Town will surely now need to get something out of their next league game, which will see leaders Ebbsfleet travel to the Camrose on Saturday.

The table toppers are still looking for their first league win in 2016.

They suffered a 2-1 loss in a Kent derby to Margate this weekend, but still remain six points clear at the top.