FROME Town’s new season got off to a cracking start with an away win against Basingstoke.
After being two goals up after 21 minutes with goals from Marcus Mapstone and Jake Jackson, Frome survived a spirited Basingstoke attacking phase and then a superb individual goal from man of the match Jon Davies on the hour, which gave them a 3-1 victory after Basingstoke pulled one back from the spot.
Frome started well and after winning several corners and having several shots blocked, they took the lead in the 8th minute as Mapstone dived low to head home a pin-point Davies corner which had been won by a deflected Davies shot.
Frome went close to doubling their lead a few minutes later as a defence splitting crossfield ball from Davies allowed Darren Jefferies a run and shot, but the ball cleared the far post, and despite Basingstoke starting to come into the match, Frome always looked dangerous and Davies brought an excellent save from Colm McAdden.
The second goal arrived in the 21st as Davies took two defenders out of the game and Jackson was on hand to tap in at the far post, but the home side now started to get going and it was the Frome defence that was now to play its part.
After Kyle Phillips had put a clearance into the bedroom window of a neighbouring house, Davies again brought a good save from McAdden, but on the whole it was Basingstoke who were now in the driving seat and Phillips did well to deal with a 25 yard shot and the home side had three corners in quick succession as the pressure grew.
However, Frome held their 2-0 lead until half time, but 5 minutes after the re-start, Basingstoke brought the score back to 2-1 as Ben Wright scored from the penalty spot after Mapstone had fouled in the area but only received a yellow card.
The goal inspired Basingstoke and they pressed forward increasingly, and Frome had a lucky escape as close range header just skimmed the Frome bar and after a 6 yard shot had gone the same way, it was increasingly looking like an equaliser was on the cards.
Phillips went down well to save a close range shot, and a few minutes later a last ditch saving tackle from Mapstone saved the day, but then seconds afterwards, Davies took the pressure off as he went on a mazy run that took him past four challenges and a cool finish made it 3-1 to Frome and the win beckoned.
Basingstoke never gave up though, Frome were being pinned in their own half for long periods, but they always looked dangerous on the counter attack with Joe Raynes and Jackson going close, but at the other end, Phillips produced a great, late save to tip over a powerful shot from the edge of the box and seal the victory.
Jon Davies was awarded the H&B Tyres Man of the Match award for a very impressive display, running the show in the first half, creating the goals and scoring a superb individual goal when it mattered.
