BASINGSTOKE Town travelled to Kings Langley hoping to Ace the Kings and gain three points to move away from the lower part of the Southern League Premier Division.

Summer signing Mark Hastings made his Dragons debut at centre-half, but his side were beaten 2-0.

In took three minutes for the Kings who produced an early Royal Flush.

A short corner on the left saw Josh Chamberlain deliver an accurate cross to the far side of the penalty box.

Steve Ward hit a stunning diamond of a volley which flew into the net leaving Alex Tokarczyk no chance of a save.

Basingstoke responded well and a flowing move involving George Bennett and Aaron Redford saw the final shot from Aaron Jarvis well saved by Danny Boness. A minute later, Redford accepted a long pass with an intelligent run behind the hosts defence. His parting shot brought a good save from Boness.

Basingstoke continued to press prompted by midfielder Bennett and forced a number of corners. Despite the pressure the visitors were unable to unlock a well marshalled defence.

On 36 minutes, a long pass downfield from the Kings defence, sent Lewis Toomey on his way and his shot from the right side went past the post.

The Kings played a Joker from the pack to double their lead on 52 minutes.

Substitute Sean Coughlan chased a pass down the right wing and attempted a first time cross.

It appeared to be a miskick but the ball sailed into the air and dropped behind the unsuspecting Tokarczyk falling into the net at the back post.

Basingstoke responded well and on 66 minutes sub Sam Deadfield fired over from Bennett's pass.

A minute later, Ashleigh Artwell created space for himself but his shot went just wide.

On 83 minutes, the Dragons almost got back into the game. Artwell created space on the right and his accurate cross found the head of David Ray.

The captain’s strong downward header produced a good save Bonees with his feet.

After the game manager Terry Brown said: "I thought some of the play from the team tonight was excellent and a vast improvement on Saturday. We take a lot of positives from the game.

*I felt our young players responded well to conceding Kings somewhat fortunate second goal and created chances.

*Kings Langley defended well and were hard to break down."

Next up for Town is FA Cup action against Hungerford at home on Saturday (3pm).