BASINGSTOKE Town suffered their fourth defeat on the trot as they found high flying Sutton United too good for them on a cold Tuesday night at the Camrose.

The Dragons made three changes to the side which lost at Margate with Nathan Smart, Shaun McAuley and Louie Soares all coming into the line-up, in place of injured Glen Southam, while Ryan Case and Manny Williams were on the subs bench.

The first 45 minutes saw the visitors dominate for long spells moving the ball around the park as Town found it difficult to string any moves together.

Despite this Town had the first real shot on goal from McAuley, after a corner was cleared out to him.

Sutton's lively front two of Dan Fitchett and Ross Stearn were causing the Town numerous problems.

The two combined as Stearn flicked on a clearance, which released Fitchett and Dan Lincoln produced a smart save to deny him.

Sutton then opened the scoring after 32 minutes, when a long ball into the box was not dealt by the home defence and goalkeeper between them.

Stearn reacted to the indecision and slotted home with a low shot.

A rare attack from Town saw Reece Connolly out muscle Dean Beckwith, but his shot was saved by Ross Worner.

Soon after, Stearn so nearly released Fitchett again and Sutton still led 1-0 at the break.

Any hopes Town had of getting anything out of the game soon vanished, as Fitchett was pushed over in the penalty area by Jay Gasson. The Town captain was lucky to escape a straight red card.

Fitchett dusted himself down and slotted the spot kick home three minutes into the second half.

Sutton nearly scored a third seven minutes later, as Stearn's shot was tipped over by a great save from Lincoln.

After this Town started to get into the game and Chris Flood saw his shot spilled by Worner and Connolly so nearly netted the rebound.

With 15 minutes left, midfielder Simon Dunn was forced out of the contest with a badly cut shin and Lloyd Macklin replaced him.

The visitors were then reduced to 10 men when Dan Wishart received a second yellow card for diving, as he tried to win another penalty.

Sutton sub Tommy Wright then fired a low shot just wide of the target after another lapse in the home defence.

Town then had the better of the closing minutes and scored in the second minute of injury time.

Connolly released Macklin and his blistering pace saw saw him run clear and score a late consolation.

Town are next in action at the Camrose on Saturday, when mid-table Maidenhead are the visitors. Town: Lincoln, Smart, Bird , Harper, Gasson, Deaman, McAuley, Dunn (sub Macklin 75 mins), Connolly, Flood, Soares. Subs (not used) Williams, Case, Rice, Enver-Marum.

Sutton: Worner, Amankwaah, Wishart, Beckwith, Eastmond, Downer, Bolarinwa (sub Fleetwood 65 mins), Gomis, Dundas, Fitchett (sub Bailey 82 mins), Stearn (sub Wright 77 mins). Subs - Dillon, Shaw.

Att: 470