NEW Basingstoke Town manager Michael Gilkes celebrated his first win in charge of the Dragons, as they won at Bishop’s Stortford 2-1.

It was only his second game in charge and his first in the National League South.

Dominic Hyam was Town’s hero, as the on loan defender from Reading on his league debut, scored five minutes into added on time.

The winning goal came from a James Harper free-kick, this was after captain Jay Gasson had given the visitors the lead in the first half.

Town’s new boss stuck with the same XI which had lost narrowly at Havant and Waterlooville the week before in the FA Trophy.

It was the home side who started the better with an early chance from Chris M’Boungou and then Elliott Buchanan hit the post with a shot from 12 yards out.

The Blues continued to create chances with Dymon Labonne’s cross being put over by the head of Omar Rowe.

The home side came closer still to scoring after 23 minutes, when a Rowe’s corner saw George Allen’s volley cleared off the line.

Having weathered the early storm in tough conditions, the Dragons roared back as Liam Enver-Marum forced a save out of Bishop’s Stortford’s goalkeeper Tom Lovelock.

Moments later and the goalie was called into action again as Lloyd Macklin carved out a chance with his pace.

The alarm bells were ringing, but no one in the home side heard them, and Town took the lead after 39 minutes.

Harper’s corner was met by a superb header by captain Gasson, and Town remained 1-0 up as the half-time whistle sounded.

After the break, Enver-Marum tried to carve out another chance, but his shot was blocked by Frankie Merrifield.

Bishop Stortford’s defender Johnny Herd was then booked as he brought down Macklin on a breakaway.

Town looked the better team now and Chris Flood so nearly added a second goal, but his effort from distance came back off the post.

Macklin was next to be denied for the visitors as Lovelock was called into action and made a smart save.

Unfortunately, a rare home attack saw the Blues level things up with 15 minutes remaining.

Morgan Ferrier’s shot rattled off the bar and Buchannan followed up with a super strike to make it 1-1.

After this both sides went looking for a winner, but few chances were carved out before the end of the 90 minutes.

Just when it looked like the result would be the same as the first game between these sides at the Camrose, Hyam scored his late winner as the Dragons recorded their first away win of the season.

The victory may keep Town bottom of the table, but they have closed the gap to four points on their nearest rivals St Albans City.

The Dragons return to cup action on Tuesday night, when they travel to Blackfield and Langley for a Hampshire Senior Cup third round tie.