SUPER sub Kaine McAuley had a dream debut for Basingstoke Town, as he scored the winner in their 1-0 win at Stratford Town.

McAuley came on with 10 minutes to play replacing fellow Academy player Harry Long with 10 minutes to go and scored in the final minute.

Basingstoke were forced to make a change to the side, which won on Tuesday evening against Bishop’s Stortford, with Long coming in to replace Callum Bunting.

The visitors started the better and Sam Deadfield had the first chance in the third minute.

The home side replied with Jazz Luckie firing just wide and then Will Grocott’s long range effort was saved.

The Dragons went close again, as from a George Bennett corner Dan Bayliss with a header was denied.

Stratford then had the ball in the net thanks to a lob by Ben Stephens, but it was ruled offside.

The visitors nearly stole the lead going into the break as Jack McKnight connected with a corner, but it was cleared off the line by Charlie Evans. The rebound fell to Long, but his shot was saved by Scott Martin.

The first chance after the break, saw Stephens on the turn fire goalward, but Colm McAdden made an excellent save.

The game was then delayed for a few minutes, after Basingstoke midfielder Dan Collier collided with a post. After treatment he was able to continue.

Stratford went close again, but McAdden at full stretch denied Stephens from 30 yards out.

With 10 minutes left, the impressive Long in his first ever start for the team, was replaced by McAuley.

With a minute left, McAdden was called into action to save from Stephens one last time.

The visitors then went on the attack, as Evans lost the ball and McAuley made full use of it to score the winner in the 90th minute.

The win Basingstoke’s third on the trot keeps them 10th in the table and next for them is an away trip to St Ives on Thursday evening, before their final game of the campaign at home to King’s Langley on Saturday.

With injury doubts on McAdden and Collier, more Academy players could be in line to see some game time.

After the game Basingstoke boss Terry Brown said: “It was a big win for us. The pitch made it difficult to play football, but we have come away with another three points to keep our run going. I was pleased with both the Academy boys today.”