By Paul Cross

After last week’s disappointing draw, Blandford stepped up the pace against a dangerous Basingstoke.

Blandford had two early chances, the ball dropping to Gareth Hardiman in the D, but the keeper was well placed to block the striker’s effort.

Blandford finally struck when Nathan Reeman swerved left, rounding the keeper, before slotting it across the face of the goal.

Shortly after, he doubled the lead, with a reverse shot, putting Blandford in a dominant position.

Then disaster struck when Basingstoke were awarded a penalty stroke. Up stepped Harrison Spicer-Martinez, who placed his effort just above keeper Clint’s left shoulder to peg Blandford back with the home side going in at the break ahead.

The early signs of the second half looked good. Andy Smith smashed a strike against a crossbar. Shortly after, Nathan Reeman drove down the left-hand side and pulled the ball back for Gareth Hardiman, who’s effort left the keeper stranded, but unfortunately struck the post.

Blandford continued to have efforts, Gareth Hardiman thought he’d extended the lead but, had a goal was disallowed.

Basingstoke tested Blandford again requiring a diving save by defender Chris Nobles, worthy of keeper Clint Thrower, which pushed the striker wide and Blandford were able to recover.

At the other end, a ball lifted down the left, deflected across the D. A surging Tom Tridgell went for the Hollywood swing, but unfortunately hit a foul ball, which went off the sideline.

Whilst Blandford were largely in control, Basingstoke still had chances. A loose pass down the right was picked up by the Basingstoke strikers, Thrower made a save and Basingstoke’s follow-up floated across the D.

Blandford then saw the game out, with substitute Harry Munton showing particular poise.