BASINGSTOKE Town put up another battling performance, but unfortunately were beaten 2-1 by in form National League South side Margate.

The home side’s Daniel Akindayni, a former Tottenham and Brighton and Hove Albion under-21striker had a dream debut as he scored both Margate goals.

The Dragons goal came from Chris Flood, while fellow striker Liam Enver-Marum had a penalty saved in the final minute.

Town made one change to the side which lost against leaders Ebbsfleet, as James Harper returned to the midfield in place of Louie Soares.

Soares was relegated to the subs bench in place of Lloyd Macklin.

The opening minutes saw both sides have chances as Town’s midfielder Simon Dunn and Danny Green went close.

Basingstoke’s goalkeeper Dan Lincoln was then called into action to make a save from a deflected effort from Charlie Wassmer.

Akindayni then fired just wide and Town’s Flood tried his luck from the edge of the area.

The home side opened the scoring after 16 minutes, as David Hunt found Freddie Ladapo with a pass and his cross was tapped in by Akindayni.

The Dragons hit back almost immediately, as a long free-kick found its way to Flood to score the equaliser just two minutes later.

The home side went close to scoring a second as a superb strike from Matt Johnson was tipped over by Lincoln.

From the corner, Wassmer had a free header, but was unable to hit the target.

Margate then made it 2-1, six minutes before the interval, as long throw from Hunt was headed in by Akindayni.

After the interval, the home side had a couple of chances, as Lincoln pushed a curling effort from Wassmer around the post and then Green fired a free-kick just over.

The Dragons roared back just after the hour mark, as a free-kick bounced in the penalty area and Tom Bird’s effort went over the bar.

Soon after, Margate’s goalkeeper Chris Lewington spilled a shot from Flood and Reece Connolly so nearly netted the rebound.

The home side came close to a third from Ladapo, but it is saved by the body of Lincoln.

As the game entered the final minutes Ryan Case headed just wide and then Town were awarded a penalty for hand ball against Wassmer.

Sub Liam Enver-Marum stepped up to take the spot kick, but Lewington dived to his right to deny the striker an equaliser.

The 2-1 loss saw Town slip back to the bottom of the National League South.

This was after basement side St Albans drew at home to Concord Rangers to move above them.

The Dragons who have now lost their last three games will hope to return to winning ways on Tuesday night (7.45pm), when high flying Sutton United are the visitors to the Camrose.

In the draw for the semi-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup, Town now know if they beat Totton and Eling or Horndean in the last eight, they will face a trip to Havant and Waterlooville. The other semi-final will see Fleet Town take on Winchester City.