LIAM Enver-Marum scored a penalty in the 94th minute as Basingstoke Town beat Maidenhead 2-1, to end a run of four straight defeats in the National League South.

Striker Ever-Marum scored both goals in a game in which Maidenhead had defender Rene Steer sent-off after he received a second yellow card after 53 minutes.

The victory saw the Dragons move off the bottom of the table, as they moved above St Albans City and they are now only five points away from safety.

Basingstoke manager Michael Gilkes made five changes to the side that lost to Sutton United in midweek.

There was a welcome return from injury from club captain David Ray and Glen Southam, while Aaron Howe, Manny Williams and Liam Enver-Marum all were recalled to the starting line-up.

The home side had the wind advantage for the first 45 minutes, which also meant Maidenhead had the rain in their faces on a wet afternoon at the Camrose.

The visitors had the first chance as former Town strikers David Tarpey and Ben Wright combined as the Magpies’ Tarpey forced an early save.

Town, who created barely 45 minutes of the game against Sutton, were certainly much better in this game and a nice interchange from Nathan Smart and Enver-Marum saw Manny Williams’ shot go just wide.

The home side then took the lead after 34 minutes, as a lovely pass by the impressive Southam in midfield released Enver-Marum and the striker fired across goalie Carl Pentney into the back of the net.

Man of the match Louie Soares then fired just wide as the Dragons finished the first half strongly.

The second half started very brightly as Soares forced a save after nice inter play between Williams and Chris Flood.

Maidenhead then equalised as Harry Pritchard fired in from the edge of the left hand side of the penalty area.

Town looked to reply almost immediately as Southam fired just over the bar and then the visitor’s goal scorer forced a good save from Howe low down.

Maidenhead were then reduced to 10 men as Steer, booked for pulling back Enver-Marum in the first half, received a second yellow card for a foul on Smart.

Soon after, Town so nearly re-took the lead, but Enver-Marum’s shot was tipped over.

The home side then had a excellent spell as Flood’s shot was saved, Soares had an effort pushed over and Williams’ attempt was blocked.

The Magpies’ James Mulley then went close after a nice move as the 10 men threaten to take all three points.

Williams was then denied by a great save by Pentney and Enver-Marum had a good chance with 10 minutes left, but fired over the bar.

Maidenhead sub Jake Reid then so nearly scored, but defender Smart headed off the line.

Then with four minutes gone in added on time, Soares weaved into the box and was brought down by sub Kyran Wiltshire.

Enver-Marum, who had a penalty saved last weekend, stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Pentney the wrong way to win the game for Town.

The Dragons are next in action on Tuesday night (7.45pm) when they face Horndean in their Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final tie.

Town: Howe, Smart, Bird, Harper, Deaman, Ray, Soares, Southam, Enver-Marum, Flood (sub Macklin 86 mins), Williams. Subs – Gasson, McAuley, Case, Rice.

Maidenhead: Pentney, Huggins, Steer, Smith (sub Wiltshire 57 min), Massey, Inman, Comley, Mulley, Tarpey (sub Nisbet 86 mins), Wright (sub Reid 61 mins), Pritchard. Subs –Upward, Barratt.