AFTER ending a run of three straight defeats, Basingstoke Town will be aiming to get back to winning ways in the Vanarama Conference South when Sutton United visit The Soccer AM Stadium on Saturday.

Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Whitehawk in the FA Trophy was Town’s first win inside 90 minutes since the middle of October.

There was a palpable sense of relief around the ground at the end of the game, not only because Basingstoke’s barren run had come to an end, but also because Whitehawk went close to forcing a replay, despite being down to nine men for the last 20 minutes.

Basingstoke looked nervous in the closing stages, but holding on to win the game should have given their confidence a boost going into Saturday’s game against Sutton (kick-off 3pm).

The south London side boast some really good individuals, with defender Charlie Clough, midfielder Glen Southam, winger Dale Binns and striker Craig Dundas all proven players at Conference South level.

Surprise Despite this, they have been disappointing so far this season. They sit 16th in the table going into Saturday’s match and last weekend’s victory over Hereford United in the FA Trophy ended a run of just one win in eight games.

Bristow said: “It is a surprise to see them where they are in the table and I don’t see them being down there for much longer.

“If they are able to get a couple of results, they could very easily go on a run. We just have to make sure that they do not kick-start their season on Saturday.

“It will be a good test for us, because I expect Sutton to be up there in contention come the end of the season, but these are the games that you want to play in. It will be a good marker for us, showing where we are.”

Town’s chances of winning will not be helped by the fact that left-back Tom Bird and midfielder Jamie Brown will miss the game through suspension. Strikers Liam Enver-Marum and Sam Argent are also unlikely to figure, but hopes are high that Simon Dunn will recover from a hip problem in time to play.

Bird’s absence will be felt particularly keenly, as the marauding defender has been a key player this season.

“Tom has revelled in the way we play and his energy is a massive plus for us,” Bristow added. “He has had a hand in a lot of the goals we have scored and will be a big miss on Saturday.”

Town’s prize for beating Whitehawk in the FA Trophy is a home tie against Hampshire rivals Gosport Borough in the first round.

Bristow said: “It’s another really tough draw, as tough as they come actually. They are the league’s in-form team, have an outstanding defensive record and are scoring goals for fun.”