BASINGSTOKE Town had to settle for a point in their final game of the Southern League Premier Division campaign as they drew 1-1 with play-off bound Hitchin Town.

The match was delayed after a peaceful protest from fans venting their frustration at what is happening with the club and the possible move out of the town after a history of 70 years at the Camrose.

Most gathered in the centre circle just before the kick-off and it was captain David Ray who was the peace maker, coming onto the pitch to talk to them.

They then returned to cheer the team on from behind the goal and certainly had plenty to shout about in the first 45 minutes.

After the visitors started the better in front of the biggest crowd of the season, the Dragons roared back to boss the opening half.

As early as the fourth minute the very lively Nana Owusu stung the palms of Hitchin goalkeeper Michael Johnson with a shot from the left after he ghosted past Will Wright.

Matt Partridge then got even closer as his goal bound effort was cleared off the line after Rob Atkinson headed on Sam Deadfield’s corner.

A few minutes later, the Dragons were denied by the woodwork. Aaron Redford with his back to goal turned and fired. The rebound was cleared to safety by Dan Webb.

The home side finally got their reward on 40 minutes, as Deadfield’s cross was headed back by Ray and Aaron Jarvis on volley turned finding the net.

This was despite goalkeeper Johnson getting a good hand to the ball, but he could not stop it going in.

For the start of the second half, Hitchin brought on Robbie Burns and he certainly added a new dimension up front for the visitors.

Matt Lench and Wright both had chances, but missed the target.

The visitors then levelled the game on 55 minutes, when Lench’s looping header should really have been dealt with, but somehow found its way into the net.

After this the home side struggled to create any real clear cut chances as they failed with the final ball.

Twice Jarvis flashed the ball across the box which was just begging for a touch.

At the other end, solid defending by Town stopped Hitchin with one great block from Joe Gater, who denied a good strike from Jay Dowie.

As the final whistle went, Hitchin could now focus on the play-offs and for Basingstoke the chance to play at St Mary’s Stadium in the Hampshire Senior Cup final against AFC Bournemouth on May 2.

After the game, Town boss Terry Brown said: “We should have won today. We could have been 3-0 up by the break, but we have to learn to kill games off.

“The fans today made their point before the kick-off and I know it is frustrating for them with what is going on with their club but they gave us great vocal support, which they have all season.”