BASINGSTOKE Town failed to extend their recent unbeaten run to three games as they lost 2-1 at Kettering Town.

The Dragons were hoping to record a league double over the home side, having won the reverse fixture 3-0 in the opening month of the season.

However, they were undone by two goals in the first 45 minutes and slipped to 18th in the Southern League Premier Division table, but are still 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

The Dragons made one change to the side which drew 1-1 with Dorchester in their last outing, as defender Joe Gater returned from suspension, so Aaron Redford was relegated to the sub’s bench.

They were also minus both Richie Whittingham and Romone Rose, who left the club late last week and joined Gosport Borough.

Kettering started the better in this contest with Liam Canavan going close early on and then only a goal line clearance from the visitor’s captain David Ray, prevented a Rene Howe header hitting the back of the net.

The Dragons replied with home goalkeeper Paul White being forced to save with his legs to deny Sam Deadfield after good work from Marcus Johnson-Schuster.

It was then the turn of Basingstoke goalie Alex Tokarczyk to be called into action to save low down from Aaron O’Connor.

The home side took the lead after 27 minutes, as Howe’s shot was saved, Matthew Barnes-Homer hit the rebound onto the bar and at the third attempt Paul Malone slotted home.

The Dragons tried to reply and lone striker Aaron Jarvis went close from a header, before Kettering doubled their advantage three minutes before the break.

This time it was Howe who scored, after he was found unmarked by O’Connor.

Just three minutes after the interval, the home side so nearly added a third goal, but Malone headed over.

Soon after, Basingstoke’s Charlie Kennedy saw his shot pushed away and then on the hour mark Redford came off the sub’s bench to replace Michael Atkinson.

The striker took just 10 minutes to make his mark on the game as his pace took him past Malone and then he calmly slotted past White to make it 2-1 after 71 minutes.

After this the Dragons were unable to carve out many more chances with Jarvis’ effort blocked five minutes from time.

On Tuesday night, they are in Southern League Cup action as they travel to Hayes and Yeading for a third round tie.