Heybridge Swifts 0, Basingstoke Town 3

WHILE mulling over the lack of form and confidence among his Town forwards, Neville Roach and Craig McAllister, Ernie Howe considered dropping one to the bench for the trip to Heybridge.

But the Town boss decided to persevere with the pairing and was rewarded at Scraley Road in the best possible way - with three points.

McAllister and Roach played in a positive way in much better individual displays - and combined for the third goal - to the delight of their manager.

Howe was particularly pleased to see Roach bag a brace - one in each half sandwiched by a Sergio Torres thunderbolt - in the much-needed win.

Howe said: "I was thinking of changing things because Macca and Roachy have been struggling and not doing enough in my view.

"In the end, though, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. It's been nice to see that faith rewarded.

"I'm pleased for Roachy and, hopefully, it will give him a little lift."

Blustery conditions on Saturday made passing difficult but it was Town who went close first when McAllister headed over at the far post.

On the quarter-hour, Roach saw his powerful shot fly narrowly wide but, a few minutes later, he ghosted through the Swifts' defence to lob the ball over 'keeper Jonathan Chatfield.

At the other end, Andrew Fotiadis latched on to Stuart Williams' through-pass but his shot was saved by Scott Tarr.

The half petered out and it was Heybridge's Neil Cousins who had the first effort of note in the second period.

His shot was saved by Tarr - but it was not to be the only clash between them.

Town doubled their lead on the hour with a goal Howe described as "a real cracker" from Torres, who blasted past Chatfield from the edge of the box.

Fotiadis then squandered two decent chances to get Heybridge back into the game, shooting wide on both occasions.

Stephen Hughes, a 20-year-old left-footed player signed from Brentford in the week, joined fellow newcomer, Argentine German De La Vega, in a new midfield.

Both players were registered on Wednesday before the transfer deadline passed.

Roach delivered Town's third with just over 10 minutes re-maining when he slotted home from McAllister's cross.

Town's triumph was blighted when Tarr was sent off for violent conduct late on following an altercation with Cousins.

Howe said: "It did take the gloss off a good win, one we needed, because we lose Scott for our last three games now.

"I was pleased with our per-formance. We didn't have it all our own way, as the score might suggest.

"When Scotty was sent off, we kept the ball well and made sure we didn't give them chances.

"The whole team responded in the right way to our loss at Grays last weekend."

Basingstoke Town: Tarr (sub Watkins), Nat Stamp, Nev Stamp, Ray, Allaway, Bristow, Torres (sub Watkins 85min), Hughes (Burgess 75min), McAllister, Roach, De La Vega (sub Ewin 75min). Subs not used: Levis, Hemmings.