BASINGSTOKE Town’s hopes of avoiding relegation from National League South were dealt another bitter blow, as they lost 1-0 at Whitehawk.

With other results around the league, also going against the Dragons, they now find themselves seven points adrift at the bottom of the table and 11 points from safety with eight games to play.

Town travelled to Sussex looking to repeat their 3-1 home victory from earlier in the season, and manager Michael Gilkes made three changes to his starting line-up.

Nathan Smart, Glen Southam and Louie Soares all returned, which meant Rob Rice dropped to the subs bench and there was no place at all for James Harper and Liam Enver-Marum.

The Hawks, who had only won once in their previous 10 outings, had the first chance of the game, but Jake Robinson failed to hit the target.

Town then had the first corner of the contest, but it came to nothing as the danger was cleared.

The home side then took the lead after 27 minutes, as former Town favourite and Whitehawk skipper Sergio Torres, played the ball to Danny Mills, out on the right wing.

The striker made ground with the ball and then whipped in a super cross which was met at the back post by Robinson, leaving Aaron Howe in the home net no chance.

The Dragons roared back and a great ball into the box from Tom Bird, found Manny Williams and his low shot produce a great save from Craig Ross.

Then just before the break, Howe had to be alert to deny Nick Arnold and then the rebound from this fell to Torres and his effort was headed away by Bird.

Soon after the break, Whitehawk’s Robinson tested Howe again as his effort was tipped around the post.

The home side had the better chances after the break, but were unable to add to their tally as Scott Neilson fired over and Howe produced a good save to keep out a shot from Arnold.

However, Town were always looking for an equaliser, but unfortunately they were unable to find it.

They did however, pick up four of their five yellow cards in the contest in the final 20 minutes of the game, as Soares, Jack Deaman, Smart and Southam were all booked. Bird had been cautioned in the first half.

The Dragons, who have now not won in six games are next in action on Saturday when they entertain high flying Oxford City at the Camrose.

Town: Howe, Smart, Bird, Southam, Deaman, Demuira, Soares, Dunn, Connolly, Flood (sub Hallahan 59mins), Williams. Subs: Rice, Case, Lincoln, Gasson.