Evo-Stik Southern Premier

Basingstoke Town 0

Cirencester Town 1

JODY BEVAN finished his short spell as caretaker manager of Cirencester Town as he had started it – with a win – as the visitors’ took all three points at Basingstoke thanks to a Ross Langworthy goal in the 32nd minute.

It was the Centurions' first win on the road this term in six attempts and enabled them to move one place further away from the bottom of the Premier Division table.

Cirencester put their hosts under early pressure but Basingstoke responded with Nana Owusu showing some clever footwork on their right flank.

Ciren broke the deadlock in an even first half when Langworthy latched on to a defensive header and fired a right footed volley that was partially blocked causing the ball to loop over the ‘keeper and into the net.

Buoyed by this success Cirencester finished the half strongly but after the interval they were put under severe pressure as Basingstoke searched for an early equaliser and Harvey Rivers made two good saves in the first three minutes.

Cirencester dug-in and harried their opponents, as a result several snap shots were either wide of the target or dealt with by Rivers.

As the game was drawing to a close Cirencester made some threatening moves of their own as they moved the ball about, particularly down the left flank.

In added time sub Charlie Griffin put the ball in the net but was ruled to be offside.

This was a much more determined display than in Saturday’s defeat at Chesham. James Mortimer-Jones was back in his customary ‘protect-the-back-four’ role and excelled prompting others to work hard defensively as well.

Captain Matt Liddiard was in central defence where his pace was needed to cope with the young and lively Basingstoke attack, while new boy Andy Ellcock, on his second start, is beginning to show his talent.