A Sean Hankin header and another Ross Kitteridge clean sheet, his 17th of the season ensured a vital win over relegation favourites Thurrock.

The first half really was a non event and didn't look like a relegation battle. The second half we seemed to get out of first gear and started to take the game to Thurrock with Stephens and Tucknott's running causing Thurrock all sorts of problems.

The deadlock was broken on the 63rd minute as Town won a free kick 40 yards out from goal and Hankin caught the keeper out of position but the keeper got back to tip over, from the resulting corner Hankin headed in from a few yards out unmarked after a poor piece of defending from the visitors.

After taking the lead although Thurrock came at us which they had to do 'Stoke held firm and never really looked in danger of conceeding a goal.

Town are now unbeaten at home in the league since November 11th and have moved up one place to 16th in the league 12 points clear of Thurrock, 'Stoke are now virtually asssured of league survival now.

Next up for 'Stoke is an away game at AFC Wimbledon on Good Friday the 10th April.

Basingstoke FC Man Of The Match: Sido Jombarti

Basingstoke Line Up: Ross Kitteridge, Lewis Christon, Sean Hankin, Jide Ogunbote, Callum Reynolds, Jerome Maledon, Sido Jombarti, Ryan Stephens (David Tarpey), Sam Tucknott (Ian Jones), Phil Ruggles, Matt Warner

Subs not used: Rob Watkins, Miles Mitchell-Coop, Adam Aimable.

Thurrock Man Of The Match