Resilient City kept their play-off push on course after coming back from a second minute goal to record a 2-1 win over out-of-form Basingstoke.

With his options limited by injuries and a failure to land any midweek loan signings Gary Roberts made two changes from the team which drew with Eastbourne on Tuesday, second half substitutes Brady Stone and Dale Binns retaining their respective places in the starting line-up at the expense of Lee Summerscales and Michael Gash.

Visiting keeper, Andy Little, can only watch as Matt Robinson's free-kick hits the post

In late October Basingstoke inflicted one of only three away league defeats suffered by City this season to go third in the table and level on points with the Lilywhites. However an alarming slump since Christmas has seen the Hampshire side drop off the pace and fall twelve points behind today’s hosts. Their most recent defeat coming at the Camrose last Saturday when Eastbourne were the visitors. Manager Ernie Howe making three changes with Brett Cooper, Ricky Allaway and the suspended Sergio Torres making way for Liam Parrington, Nathan Stamp and David Stroud respectively.

If the visitors were in need of a confidence boost that’s exactly what they got with only two minutes on the clock. City had already shown signs of hesitancy at the back before Brady Stone allowed Martin Whiddett too much room and the former AFC Totton forward squared to strike partner Neville Roach who, from the edge of the box, drilled a right foot shot low to Duncan Roberts’ left and into the bottom corner of the net.

Still appearing to show signs of the fatigue evident in the midweek display against Eastbourne, City struggled to make any sort of an impression. However, with twelve minutes gone they almost snatched an equaliser with their first effort on goal. Dale Binns was fouled wide on the left allowing Matt Robinson to float a free kick deep into the box. Visiting ‘keeper Andy Little mis-judged the flight and was left furiously back-peddling as the ball struck the angle of post and crossbar, Rob Miller headed back across the six yard area and Dave Sadler headed an effort goalwards only for a combination of Little and the woodwork (again) to deny City before the follow-up ended up behind for a goal kick.

Despite not producing football of the highest quality City gradually managed to settle and began to gain a territorial advantage. The hard working Rob Miller did well to win the ball back in midfield and slide a slightly heavy pass through the inside left channel to Dale Binns which gave right back Scott Smith just enough time to intercept.

Josh Simpson moves in to pick up the pieces

In recent games City have scored a number of goals from well worked set piece routines and their leveller on thirty seven minutes started from Matt Robinson’s left sided corner. It was the former Cambridge United player himself who won the place kick with a typically persistent run. The ball was partially cleared to Rob Miller on the right and his immediate return saw Josh Simpson’s leap wrong-foot the Basingstoke defence, creating the space for Matt Langston to steer a well placed header wide of Little for his fifth goal of the season.

Neither ‘keeper was troubled further for the remainder of the half but City probably left the field the happier of the two sides.

Without imposing any real authority on the game the Lilywhites were the better of the two sides after the interval, Basingstoke offering nothing to suggest they were capable of regaining the lead.

City converted their superiority into a decisive second goal three minutes short of the hour mark. Lee Chaffey, turning in another impressive display at left back, played a well judged clearance into the path of Dave Sadler who had drifted left. Showing a speed of thought that brought him a yard on the visitors’ back line the Lilywhites’ leading marksman looked up and delivered a perfect centre onto the head of the on-rushing Matt Robinson who powered home from eight yards’ out giving Little no chance.

Forced to push forward in search of an equaliser Basingstoke mounted a rare attack down their right, the impressive Scott Smith centring for Whiddett who fired over from a promising position.

In an attempt to consolidate in midfield Gary Roberts introduced Richard Scott, who has had very little pitch time since sustaining a shoulder injury against Carshalton, at the expense of Rob Miller.

Dave Sadler feels the heat in this aerial battle

As the game entered the final twenty minutes City came close to putting the contest beyond doubt when a slick passing move saw Dale Binns set up Matt Robinson on the left edge of the box, the make-shift striker fired to the left of Little who appeared to have completed a full length stop only to let the ball slip from his grasp at the feet of Josh Simpson, a last ditch challenge from Smith denying the teenage midfielder.

Sandwiched between three Basingstoke substitutions good work by Dave Sadler created the space for Dale Binns to cross to Matt Robinson who on this occasion was narrowly off target with his header.

A one goal lead always looked precarious despite City’s overall superiority and with time fast running out Basingstoke spurned a golden chance to grab a share of the points. Two of their substitutes combined to create the opening, Christian Levis sprinting down the right and squaring perfectly for Ryan Stephens who fired straight at Duncan Roberts from six yards out.

Aided by the introduction of two more substitutes (Michael Gash and Lee Summerscales) City successfully saw out the final moments without further alarm to claim what might prove to be a crucial victory with another tough looking test, in the shape of Thurrock, looming large as the games continue to come thick and fast.