Sholing once again fell foul of a James Clark penalty at home to Basingstoke. This time it contributed to a painful defeat for the Boatmen that seriously hurts their play-off hopes.
Basingstoke made good on winning the toss. Less than 10 minutes in, James Clark scored his second penalty in as many league visits to the Mortgage Decisions Stadium, after George Reid was pushed over by Harry Taylor.
Robbie Gallagher was provided with an open goal by Tom Blake, he couldn’t and didn’t miss, giving his side a 2-0 lead.
Sholing then got a turn from the spot, Reece Wylie being caught by the outstretched foot of Rudy Allen, Michael Folivi stepped up and pulled one back.
The visitors’ two goal advantage was restored right on the half-time whistle, skipper Billy Upton rose highest from the corner. It was a deserved reward for first-half domination.
Instead of damage limitation, Sholing decided to go big or go home for the second period, taking off Sam Magri, and putting on another attacking player in Tommy-Lee Higgs.
It was Higgs who was then involved in a scuffle with Upton, after he got trapped in between the visiting captain’s legs, earning both a booking.
The Boatmen’s approach had the exact opposite effect they had intended. Reid got on the scoresheet, slotting into Dec McCarthy’s exposed left-hand corner, the Sholing keeper unable to get hold of the ball, helping secure a huge win for Basingstoke.
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