BASINGSTOKE Town found Southern League Premier Division leaders Leamington too hot to handle as they lost 3-1 in Warwickshire.

The home side made a couple of changes to their starting line-up with Matt Partridge and Romone Rose returning from injury.

They started well enough with strikers Aaron Redford and Rose both having early chances.

However, after 11 minutes they found themselves 1-0 down after Ahmed Obeng was the first to react to a saved shot.

Richie Whittingham then forced a save from the home goalie, but they doubled their advantage midway through the half as Courtney Baker-Richardson was on target.

Then on 34 minutes the Dragons were forced into a change as Rose’s return was ended due to injury and Aaron Jarvis replaced him.

For the start of the second-half another returning player from injury Dan Collier came on in place of Whittingham, as manager Terry Brown looked to get his side back into the contest.

However, he was only to last 11 minutes, before having to be replaced by Joe Gater.

A minute later, Leamington made sure of the win as midfielder Jack Edwards scored with a header to make it 3-0.

On 79 minutes, the Dragons scored a consolation goal as Robert Atkinson ‘s ball over the top, found Jarvis to score.

They will hope to bounce back to winning ways on Tuesday night (7.45pm), when they face a visit from Fleet Town in the second round of the Southern League Cup.