Grays are yet to find the form that has led many to install them as pre-season favourites for the Ryman Premier title, and they fell to their first defeat of the season at home to Basingstoke on Saturday.

The hosts were soon into their stride though ,with Stafford Browne converting a fourth minute penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Strike partner Gary Abbott was struggling to find a way into the game, with Town finding much success in the suffocation of the home midfield.

Basingstoke restored parity early in the second half as one-on-one between McAllister and Capleton saw the visiting forward prod home the equaliser. And the match was turned on its head on the hour as Howes timed his run to perfection to stab in the winner.

Athletic, still searching for their first win, face an awkward looking trip to Enfield on Bank Holiday Monday.

Published Sunday August 25, 2002