Basingstoke climbed 7 points clear of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win away at Maidenhead, with goals from Ryan Stephen & a sublime Matt Warner free kick, who included Callum Reynolds in their starting lineup, signed on a 1 month loan from Portsmouth

'Stoke went ahead after 6 minutes after a long throw in from Aimable was flicked on by Ruggles which fell to Stephens, who turned and struck it home 5 yards out. Soon after, Ruggles had a chance to lob the Maidenhead keeper but shot over.

Maidenhead finished the half well but with no real chances and started the second in the same vein and eventually got on level terms after a corner from the left was headed home by Gavin James after 57 minutes.

This goal sparked us back into life and Ryan Stephens almost got us back into the lead within a minute of Maidenhead Levelling but the keeper saved well. On 62 minutes, 'Stoke regained the lead thanks to a a Matt Warner free kick, which was almost identical to the one against Welling last Tuesday, but this time he found the net not the woodwork; all this after Ruggles was brought down after being in a good position just outside the area.

Both teams had chance in the last half hour but we defended well and held on to secure the vital 3 points. All this with Joe Dolan, Robbie Watkins and Sean Hankin out injured.

Basingstoke Lineup: Ross Kitteridge, Adam Aimable, Miles Mitchell-Coop, Tom Williamson, Callum Reynolds, Jerome Maledon, Sido Jombarti, Ryan Stephens, Jide Ogunbote, Phil Ruggles (David Tarpey 89), Matt Warner.

Subs not used: Sam Tucknott, Ian Jones, Allan Tait, Chris Waller.

Basingstoke FC Man of the match: Tom Williamson

League Table - Match Details & Report