BASINGSTOKE Town’s poor away form continued, as they surrendered a two-goal lead at play-off chasing Cirencester, as they lost 3-2.

The Dragons made two changes to their starting line-up, with new signing Jordan Alves given his first start as Harrison Cliff dropped to the bench, while Claudio Herbert came in for the injured Ben Wright.

The visitors got off to a good start with Aaron Kuhl dominating the midfield for them and he set up the opening goal for Bradley Wilson.

The striker scored with a 20-yard shot, which took a deflection on its way into the net.

Just two minutes later, Town doubled their advantage, after Wilson headed the ball down for Herbert to lob the home goalkeeper.

Soon after, Wilson fired just wide as Basingstoke nearly made it 3-0.

After the break and no doubt having been read the riot act in the interval, the home side took over.

They scored three times in a 16 minute period in the second half to win the contest.

Levi Irving was the first to strike on 51 minutes and then just after the hour mark, centre back Josh Nelmes marked his Cirencester debut with a goal, as he headed in a corner.

The home side then took the lead on 67 minutes, as Irving chased down a lost cause, before he cut in from the byline and slotted home.

Cirencester could have added a fourth from John Dennis, but Freddie Gee produced a great save.

Basingstoke nearly left with a share of the spoils, but Lewis Clayton in the home goal denied Town sub Mikey Davis three minutes from time.

Next for Town is a home game on Boxing Day (3pm) against Portsmouth side Moneyfields at Winchester City, their home venue for this season.