Goals from Michael Fernandes, Kris Campbell and Mauro Vilhete put the hosts firmly in control by half-time, before Wayne Robinson added a fourth late on to complete a disappointing afternoon for ‘Stoke.

Having beaten Malvern Town 4-1 the previous weekend, Basingstoke have now conceded eight goals in two away defeats, with the side unable to find a response after falling behind early on.

Dan Brownlie made two changes to the starting XI that faced Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday night, with Jack Ball making his first start of the season and James Henry replacing Tom Blake in midfield.

However, Gosport made the stronger start and nearly took the lead inside the opening minutes. Kris Campbell cut inside and forced Simon Grant into a save, before Billy Bodin sent the rebound over the crossbar.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, with Basingstoke having to defend a succession of dangerous deliveries and set pieces. Billy Upton did well to intervene at the near post, while Grant continued to deal with Gosport’s aerial threats.

'Stoke clash with Gosport (Image: Phil Tahadas)

‘Stoke gradually began to find opportunities of their own, with Chinedu Agu sending an effort agonisngly wide. James Henry then helped to build an attack which saw Agu drive a low ball across the face of goal, but Cheick Sylla couldn’t find the final touch needed.

The missed opportunity proved costly as Gosport took the lead in the 17th minute. A flick from Billy Bodin opened up space for Michael Fernandes, who got away from the Basingstoke defence before opening his body and guiding a right-footed finish beyond Grant and into the bottom corner.

Basingstoke looked to respond, with Jeremiah Okine-Peters attempting to create openings down the left, while Sylla continued to battle against Gosport’s defence. However, the hosts remained dangerous on the counter-attack and continued to find space in the visitors’ half.

Gosport then doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark when the referee awarded a penalty following a challenge by Billy Upton on Bodin inside the area.

Campbell stepped up and sent Grant the wrong way as he found the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Basingstoke struggled to establish sustained pressure as the half progressed, while Gosport threatened to extend their lead. Bodin had a golden opportunity to make it three after Fernandes’ delivery found him inside the penalty area, but he somehow rolled his effort wide with the goal at his mercy.

The hosts didn’t have to wait long for their third, however. In the closing moments of the first half, Campbell cut inside from the right and drove the ball across the six-yard box. Grant managed to push the delivery away, but Vilhete was on hand to turn the rebound into the net and leave Basingstoke facing a three-goal deficit at the break.

‘Stoke emerged with greater purpose after the restart and looked to create the opportunities needed to get back into the game.

Henry came close with a header which was cleared off the line, before another headed effort was saved by Gosport goalkeeper James Holden. Scott Armsworth found himself involved in a scramble following a free-kick, but the visitors couldn’t get the ball over the line.

The hosts continued to threaten at the other end, with Grant called upon to keep the score at 3-0 as Gosport looked to exploit gaps in the Basingstoke defence.

Ball was forced off through injury shortly after the restart, with Bernie Tanner introduced in his place. Armsworth was later replaced by Alex Solomon, while Larry Omoregie came on for Henry as Brownlie looked to get a result.

Despite the changes, Basingstoke struggled to build on their improved start to the second half. Okine-Peters was soon replaced by Anthony Monocchio as the visitors finished their five substitutes in pursuit of a much-needed goal.

Gosport, meanwhile, continued to create openings, adding a fourth in the 85th minute. Robinson received the ball on the left, cut inside Tanner and scored the goal that put the game to rest.

Basingstoke continued to search for a consolation in the closing stages. Agu tested Holden with a well-struck effort from the edge of the area, while further set piece deliveries failed to produce a breakthrough.

The final whistle confirmed a 4-0 defeat for ‘Stoke, who will need to regroup quickly after a difficult week on the road.

Attention now turns to the visit of Plymouth Parkway to the Winklebury Football Complex next Saturday, as Basingstoke look to avoid a third straight defeat.

Basingstoke Town starting XI: Simon Grant, Lewis Colwell, Jack Ball, Billy Upton (C), Joe O’Loughlin, Amar Singh, Scott Armsworth, James Henry, Chinedu Agu, Jeremiah Okine-Peters, Cheick Sylla

Substitutes used: Bernie Tanner, Alex Solomon, Tom Blake, Larry Omoregie, Anthony Monocchio