Cirencester Town have been knocked out of the FA Trophy in the Preliminary Round after a 3-2 loss at home to Basingstoke Town.

Spectators at The Corinium Stadium were treated to yet another exciting cup-tie with victory going to the visitors by the odd goal in five.

Basingstoke made the perfect start when Ben Cook opened the scoring with a high looping header that struck the inside of the right post on its way into the net within four minutes.

Cirencester responded well to the setback and pressed their visitors down both flanks to the corners and finally levelled on the half hour when Ollie Artwell smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a position to the right of the right post.

Three minutes later Basingstoke regained the lead when Riccardo Andrady darted forward to finish from the edge of the six yard box as he took advantage of a moment of hesitation in the home defence.

As the half was drawing to a close Basingstoke were pressing hard to increase their advantage but Cirencester stood firm and a few minutes after the interval they drew level again when the ball was returned to debutant Isaiah Jones and he drove it into the top right corner from 30 yards.

It didn’t take long for Basingstoke to regain the lead again as Andrady squared the ball from near the right by-line to the penalty spot where a series of blocks took place before Zachary Robinson managed to poke it into the net.

Once again Cirencester responded positively, with Alan Griffin heading against the woodwork, but Basingstoke held on to secure victory and a place in the next round.