United had their share of luck in this game and it began, ironically enough, on 13 minutes. Gary Crawshaw closed down keeper Tarr as he received a backpass, Tarr drove his clearance straight at Crawshaw and the ball rebounded into the net. Aided by a strong blustery wind, United dominated most of the first half without getting the reward their play and posession deserved.

On 34 minutes Crawshaw went clear but was brought down just outside the box by Julian Sills. To the delight of the home fans Sills was sent of by Mr Hermitage. Just before the break Basingstoke very nearly levelled. Simpson shot first time, Gary Phillips dived towards the ball which then deflected off Gorman and looked to be going into the net. But Phillips' legs diverted it along the goal-line before Davies got back to clear.

The second half began with Basingstoke having the wind in their favour and it was United's turn to soak up pressure. They broke out with telling effect on 61 minutes as Paul Armstrong latched onto an Allan Pluckrose pass to increase United's lead.

On 73 minutes United went three up. Oliver Squires attempted a pass towards Armstrong, the ball hit Mr Hermitage and came back to Squires who then fed Darren Grieves. The former Yeading frontman shot past Tarr to mark his debut with a fine goal.

In the closing stages Basingstoke wasted two glorious chances. A long range drive by Wilkinson was parried by Phillips and Tim Sills struck the rebound high and wide from no more than six yards. Moments later in identical fashion, Phillips parried another shot and this time it was Mancey who held his head in shame as he blasted the ball over the top.