BASINGSTOKE Town recorded their first league win of the season with a superb 3-0 victory over visiting Kettering.

Two goals from man of the match George Hallahan including a penalty, along with a Sam Deadfield’s strike sealed the win against the Poppies, who are one of the favourites for the Southern League Premier Division title.

The Dragons were forced to make one change to the side which drew with Hayes and Yeading in midweek, as defender Tamille Roach served a one match suspension.

So Matt Partridge slotted in defence and Sam Deadfield started in midfield.

A great sight for Basingstoke Town fans was the return of forward Aaron Redford to the bench, having been injured in the last pre-season game.

Also amongst the subs was new signing 26-year-old striker Romone Rose, who has signed on dual registration from Wealdstone.

After an even opening the Dragons took the lead after 19 minutes, as a lovely one-two between Deadfield and Marcus Johnson-Schuster, saw the later whip in a great cross from the right, which was met at the near post by Hallahan.

Soon after, it nearly became 2-0, but George Bennett’s effort was tipped over the bar by Kettering keeper Paul Walker.

Johnson-Schuster was then the next player to try his luck from distance and his strike was only inches wide.

The Dragons were really breathing fire at this point, with Hallahan and Aaron Jarvis terrorising the Kettering back line with their pace and the midfield being very lively looking to carve out chances with every ball.

The home side went close again as Hallahan’s cross was so neatly put in by Jarvis at the back post and then Michael Atkinson saw his shot pushed away.

All the pressure finally paid off, as Robert Atkinson was brought down in the area and Hallahan, from the penalty spot, beat Walker low to his right to double the advantage on 35 minutes.

Kettering then had their best chance so far, as Spencer Weir-Daley fed Sam Smith who should really have done better with his effort.

It was left to Deadfield, with a lovely curling shot, which just missed the top corner to wrap up proceedings before the interval.

Just a minute after the break, Aaron Jarvis’ shot from the right saw him hit the far post, but the industry from the same player found Deadfield three minutes later.

The midfielder took a touch just inside the area, before firing a low shot into the net to make it 3-0.

Just before the hour mark, Kettering made a double switch and certainly Jordan Wilson came close to scoring for the visitors on a number of occasions.

The first time the striker made a lovely run, before his shot was deflected over for a corner.

The home side really dealt well with corners all game with Alex Tokarczyk commanding his area on his way to a deserved first clean sheet of the campaign.

The home side then made their own switch up front with Redford coming on for two goal man Hallahan and the sub went close after nice play from Deadfield and Robert Atkinson.

On 76 minutes, new signing Rose replaced Jarvis and by this time Kettering were throwing everyone forward looking for a goal, but the defence withstood the pressure.

It also gave them the chance to break out quickly, and a great ball from Johnson-Schuster down the right channel found Rose.

The new signing spotted the Kettering keeper off his line and only just missed getting a fourth for the Dragons with a cheeky chip.

As the final whistle went, the visitors could have no complaints, as they were soundly beaten by a better team.

Delighted Dragons’ boss Terry Brown said after the game: “It’s great to get our first three points and in front of our own fans. They have been patient with the boys and it is a learning curve for the players.

“When the game started I thought it looked like men against boys, but we have played really well today and getting a clean sheet is the icing on the cake.”

Town are next in action on Saturday at bottom side Cinderford, before they entertain high flying Frome on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).