THERE was no early Christmas present for Basingstoke Town fans, as the Dragons suffered their fourth league defeat on the trot, going down 1-0 to visiting Redditch United.

Town boss Terry Brown was forced to make changes to his side due to injuries picked up in their last game against King’s Lynn.

Both centre half Joe Gater and midfielder Charlie Kennedy were sidelined with concussion, while left back Robert Atkinson has broken his ankle.

This meant George Bennett, Michael Atkinson and Richie Whittingham came into the starting XI and Matt Partridge moved back to defence from midfield.

Saturday’s game proved to be a re-run of Tuesday night’s loss with King’s Lynn. The home side doing enough in the last 30 minutes to take something out of the game.

However, once again they trailed at the break, but only 1-0 this time, to a goal from Reece Hales after 25 minutes.

At the break, Brown made a change with striker Romone Rose replaced by fellow forward Aaron Redford.

Redford livened up the attack and soon after the break Nana Owusu went close.

Then just before the 70 minute mark, a great run from Owusu saw him fouled in the box and Town were awarded a penalty.

Aaron Jarvis took the spot kick, but it was saved by Brad Catlow.

The home side continued to press for an equaliser and in added on time Sam Deadfield hit the bar and Partridge’s header from a corner saw him denied by a great save.

The loss saw the Dragons slip down to 15th in the Southern League Premier table and they are next in action on Boxing Day away at Frome, who are currently sixth.