BASINGSTOKE Town’s fight to avoid relegation from National League South, suffered another blow as they were beaten 3-1 at play-off hopefuls Maidstone United.

The result left the Dragons still bottom of the table and eight points from safety with 10 games left to play.

Their next league outing is on Saturday when they face a visit from Hampshire rivals Havant and Waterlooville, who are one place above the drop zone in what is a must-win game at the Camrose.

For Town’s trip to Kent, manager Michael Gilkes made three changes to the starting line-up which drew last week at Wealdstone.

Aaron Howe returned between the posts instead of Dan Lincoln, while Jay Gasson replaced David Ray, injured at Wealdstone, and Ryan Case also got the nod instead of Louie Soares.

The Dragons soon found themselves a goal down as Jack Paxman and Charles Banya combined and from just outside the area, James Rogers made it 1-0 after four minutes.

The home side so nearly made it two, as Dumebi Dumaka’s goal bound shot was cleared by Jack Deaman after the Maidstone midfielder had beaten Howe.

The Dragons then roared back and levelled things after 25 minutes.

James Harper’s corner was met by the head of Jack Deaman and he planted the ball into the back of the net.

Town could well have led at the break, as Reece Connolly’s cross was met by Manny Williams, but the midfielder fired over from close range.

Maidstone re-took the lead on 47 minutes, as Dumaka latched onto a through ball from Paxman and scored for the second game running.

The same player then so nearly added a third goal for his side, but Howe produced a great save to deny him.

Howe was then also involved in the next incident in the game, as he caught Charles Banya, as he ran into the area from a great ball from Callum Driver.

Banya’s shot was cleared by Case, but the home side were awarded a penalty.

The Maidstone player was stretchered off the pitch and spent the night in hospital suffering from concussion.

Vas Karagiannis made no mistake from the spot after 64 minutes, which made the score 3-1.

Town went looking for a lifeline and Connolly forced Lee Worgan into a good save and then sub Chris Flood was also denied by the Maidstone number one.

The Dragons now take a break from league action, as they travel to Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday night for their Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final clash.

Town: Howe, Smart (sub Soares), Bird, Case, Gasson, Deaman, Harper, Southam (sub McAuley), Connolly, Enver-Marum, Williams (sub Flood). Subs (not used): Macklin and Rice.

Maidstone: Worgan, Driver, Mills, Davies, Parry, Rogers, Banya (sub Flisher), Healy, Dumaka (sub May), Paxman (sub Sweeney), Karagiannis. Subs (not used): Bodkin, Taylor.

Att 2,070