BASINGSTOKE Town’s new manager Michael Gilkes’ first game in charge saw his side narrowly beaten 2-1 in FA Trophy third round qualifying game at Havant and Waterlooville.

The Dragons gave a debut to two on loan defenders Callum Buckley and Dominic Hyam in their Hampshire derby clash.

Hyam was Gilkes’ first signing and the Scottish under-21 international will be at the Camrose until January 2 having joined from Reading.

He has played in the National League South before having had a spell at Hemel Hempstead last season.

Buckley signed from Bournemouth a fortnight ago and came into the line-up for suspended Tom Bird, while Hyam played in the middle of the defence alongside Rob Rice and Jason Gasson.

Lloyd Macklin also came into the starting XI, where there was no place for Louie Soares and Giuseppe Sole.

Havant got off to a great start as they opened the scoring after four minutes as Ben Swallow found Warren Cummings wide on the left and his cross was met by former AFC Bournemouth striker James Hayter.

Town were level on 24 minutes, as Liam Enver-Marum scored from the penalty spot and from then until half-time the home side dominated with Enver-Marum, Macklin and Chris Flood all having chances.

With 10 minutes to go and with the tie looking like it would need a replay to decide it Havant grabbed the winner.

This came from Swallow as he was able to cut in from the right and curled the ball past Aaron Howe to book his side a place in the first round draw tomorrow.

Town were due to be in action again on Tuesday night against Dartford, but after the Kent also made their FA Trophy exit with a 2-1 defeat against Whitehawk, this game will now be played at the Camrose on Saturday December 12.

This means the Dragons next game is now on Saturday when they travel to Bishop’s Stortford in the National League South.