BASINGSTOKE Town secured their first league win of the season, as they beat high flying Whitehawk 3-1 at the Camrose on Tuesday night.

Goals from Chris Flood, Simon Dunn and Lloyd Macklin secured the victory and moved the Dragons off the bottom of the table.

Jason Bristow picked the same team which had won against Torquay, while the visitors included former Town favourite Sergio Torres.

It was the Argentinian midfielder who had the first chance of the game when put in by Arnaud Mendy, but Howe produced a really good save with his legs to keep the effort out.

Town replied as Louie Soares shot just wide, before the home side took the lead after 12 minutes.

Tom Bird was given time and space down the left flank and his cross into the box was met by Flood at the neat post for the opening goal.

After this Whitehawk dominated the rest of the half, but most of their chances were from distance and off target as Basingstoke defended really well in two banks of players.

The Sussex were quickly out of the blocks in the second-half as David Martin's low shot forced Howe to push it round the post and from the corner Torres found Danny Mills, but he blazed over.

The visitors in their lovely pink shirts levelled things on 49 minutes as Mendy found Sam Deering on the edge of the are and on the angle his shot flew into the bottom of the net leaving Howe no chance.

Whitehawk were now looking for the winner and Martin tested Howe from distance as he pushed the ball over.

The hour mark saw the first Basingstoke corner, while at the other end the Whitehawk racked up 10 in the contest.

From the corner the ball was cleared and Torres stormed up field only to be pulled back by Will Salmon which earned the defender a yellow card.

From the free-kick Deering sent the ball into the area and it was met by the head of Dean Leacock, but it was superbly saved one handed by Howe.

The home side then had their best attack after the interval as Howe kick out found Bird and his cross in saw Flood head just over.

Soon after Whitehawk secured another corner and from it Jordan Rose's header was cleared off the line by Louie Soares.

As the match entered the final 10 minutes, the game became very stretched and Howe produced another top draw save one handed save to deny lively striker Mills with a header four minutes from time.

With 22 shots of which nine were on target Whitehawk were then made to pay for their missed chances as Town produced a clinical strike.

Bird again started the move and then the two substitutes Lloyd Macklin and Dunn combined with Dunn able to slot home with a low shot a minute from time.

The Dragons roared again as Macklin turned provider and Flood saw his shot pushed over the bar by Craig Ross.

with game in added on time Town struck again as Flood released Macklin down the right wing and his excellent cross found an unmarked Macklin to make it 3-1 and spark wild celebrations.

Gazette Star man Aaron Howe - a great night for the goalie and made some excellent saves.