Basingstoke returned to winning ways with an impressive 2-0 victory away at fellow high-flyers Uxbridge in a matchup we could see a repeat of in the playoffs in seven weeks’ time.

A 26th-minute red card for the hosts helped, but Basingstoke had already asserted control of the match before the sending off of Mahlondo Martin. He was given his marching orders for a headbutt on Simon Dunn.

If it were not for a rare off day for forward Brad Wilson, Basingstoke could have hit four or five against their rivals for promotion. Manager Dan Brownlie labelled it one of the best performances and results of the season.

Wilson already had three good chances before Martin’s red card; home keeper Tyler Tobin saving the first before an angled volley skimmed the turf just wide of the post, before a low strike rolled inches wide of the other.

Martin’s reaction following a challenge from skipper Dunn saw the hosts’ forward immediately dismissed and Basingstoke took advantage of the extra man within five minutes.

Dunn freed Ben Cook on the right-hand side and Cook took his time before delivering a precise cross on a plate for the arriving Stefan Brown to turn home from close range and give his side a well-deserved lead.

Chances continued to flow regularly for Basingstoke and for Wilson in particular. But a switch in system helped Uxbridge begin to create chances of their own as the game entered its final quarter.

Veteran goalkeeper Paul Strudley made important saves from Victor Osobu and Ryan Haugh and with ten minutes to play, Basingstoke counter-attacked through Wilson who squared for Lloyd Snell to place a precise finish into the corner and seal the result with his eighth goal of an impressive first full season at senior level.