SAM Argent had a dream return in a Basingstoke Town shirt, as he scored twice in their 3-1 home victory over visiting Banbury United.

Argent, a prolific scorer with Hartley Wintney, went straight into the starting line-up, which also included a first league start for fellow striker Callum Bunting.

Argent took five minutes to register his first goal back at the Camrose, as a great cross field ball from Charlie Kennedy found Sam Smart wide on the right.

The striker whipped in a cross which was spilled by Jack Harding.

Argent gambled on something happening and the ball hit his knee and ended up in the net.

After this the visitors, who looked a good side, came back into the contest with Tom Winters their star man, and from one of his corners’ Tom Bradbury headed just wide.

Just after the half hour mark, Argent found Ben Wright and his excellent volley produced a save to match it from Harding.

Soon after, the striker did well with a free-kick from the D which Harding pushed around the post.

Then in the final minute of the first-half, an excellent strike from Winters flew into the top of the net to make it 1-1 at the break.

The opening of the second half was even with neither side creating any clear-cut chances.

The game was broken open again on 76-minute mark, as Argent found Smart wide on the right and he sent in a low cross which sub Ashleigh Artwell with his first touch poked into the net.

The visitors went looking for an equaliser and George Nash’s effort went just over the bar.

Then in the first minute of added on time, Smart found Argent, but his shot grazed the top of the crossbar.

However, two minutes later the same combination made the game safe, as Smart left defender Marvin Martin in his wake and then sent in a lovely ball for Argent to lob the visiting goalkeeper.

This sent home happy the majority of Town’s biggest crowd of the season, which was 486.

After the game Basingstoke boss Terry Brown said: “It was our ugliest win at home this season against a very good team. They did not let us play our football which meant Sam Smart was out of the game for long periods, but still came up with three assists.

“I was really pleased with Sam Argent, his work rate is second to none and he is great addition to this club.”

Brown added: “We tried a new system today with the four forwards, which left us short in midfield, so I still have some work to do on this, but we got the result and kept our home run going in front of a good crowd.”

On Wednesday night at Merstham, Smart and defender Dan Bayliss are playing for an FA England Rep side.