BUOYED by their first win in a month - the 2-1 Carthium Cup triumph over Lewes on Saturday - Basingstoke Town turn their attention to the league when Margate visit the Camrose tomorrow.

Ernie Howe's team sit in third place in the Nationwide South and are out to make amends for a disappointing period where they've lost two league games and gone out of the FA Cup, since they beat Grays on September 18.

Howe hopes the win over Lewes "can be a building block to better form and confidence".

He added: "It was a better performance all round, because we have been below par generally in our last few games.

"I think we could have made the win more convincing but we needed to get a result and we did, which was pleasing.

"We need to keep the ball better and maintain possession by not trying to do the extra thing or too much individually. But we created chances again and that's good to see.

"I thought Jason Bristow and Liam Parrington did well at the back as a pairing. The break out of the first team has done Liam good.

"Martin Whiddett scored a very brave goal and Gary Haylock showed his experience when he came on up front.

"That will be an important quality for the team as the pitches and weather deteriorate."

Howe said the team trained very hard on Tuesday and that spirits were better in the ranks after their win.

He added: "There are a few with little knocks which we hope will clear up in time for the Margate game.

"Jason and Neville Roach have been sore since the Lewes game and Neville Stamp is still training with Mark Randall as he recovers from his injury.

"They, and Scott Tarr, whose dead leg is still sore, are our only little doubts."

The Town boss said he had Margate watched last weekend in their 1-1 draw with Newport County.

"We got the report on Wednesday and have planned our strategy accordingly.

"We know we can play well, but it's all about confidence and self-belief. Hopefully, that has come back a bit after beating Lewes."

Howe said he would be speaking to one of his transfer targets this week and was hopeful of coming to an agreement.