THREE penalties, one the winner in injury time, plus two players dismissed saw Basingstoke Town lose 2-1 at St Neots, as their awful away league form continued.

Basingstoke boss Terry Brown made two changes to his starting line-up which lost to King’s Lynn, with Tim Wolhfiel coming in at right back in place of Marcus Johnson-Schuster, while a fit again Jack McKnight replaced Ben Wright.

The home side started the better, but then Town went close as George Bennett’s free-kick was met by the head of Shane Hollamby and Mike Emery in the home goal was forced to push the ball over.

The visitors then took the lead on 24 minutes, as they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the area and Sam Argent made no mistake from the spot.

The advantage lasted just two minutes, as Johnny Herd’s cross found David Bridges at the far post to net.

This was how it remained to half-time as both sides went in at 1-1.

The home side then had a couple of chances just after the hour mark and then sub Stefan Broccoli found Dion Sembie-Ferris, but his shot was well saved by Colum McAdden.

On 77 minutes, Town were reduced to 10 men after Ben Wright received a red card, and George Bennett and St Neots skipper Luke Knight both yellow cards in the same incident.

The home side were then awarded a penalty, after Joe Meechan was brought down in the area.

The St Neots’ player got up and dusted himself down and took the spot kick, which was saved by McAdden.

Town could have won the game with five minutes left, but Argent was denied by an excellent save.

With two minutes remaining, the visitors were reduced to nine men, after Bennett picked up his second yellow card.

Town tried to hold out for a draw, but on 95 minutes, Meechan again was up ended in the penalty area.

This time Herd was given the job from the spot, and scored the very later winner for the Cambridgeshire side.

The loss saw the Dragons slip to 17th in the Southern League Premier Division table and on Tuesday night they face a visit from second placed Weymouth.