A SUPERB individual goal from man of the match Jon Davies on the hour mark wrapped up victory for Frome Town in their opening Evo-Stik League Southern Premier match of the season at Basingstoke.

Frome were two goals up after 21 minutes with goals from Marcus Mapstone and Jake Jackson, but survived a spirited Basingstoke attacking phase to wrap up the three points.

Frome started well and after winning several corners and having several shots blocked, they took the lead in the eighth minute as Mapstone dived low to head home a pinpoint Davies corner which had been won by a deflected Davies' shot.

They went close to doubling their lead a few minutes later as a defence splitting crossfield ball from Davies allowed Darren Jefferies a run and shot, but the ball cleared the far post.

Despite Basingstoke starting to come into the match, Frome always looked dangerous and Davies brought an excellent save from Colm McAdden.

The second goal arrived in the 21st minute as Davies took two defenders out of the game and Jackson was on hand to tap in at the far post.

After Kyle Phillips had put a clearance into the bedroom window of a neighbouring house, Davies again brought a good save from McAdden, but it was Basingstoke who were now in the driving seat and Phillips did well to deal with a 25-yard shot and the home side had three corners in quick succession as the pressure grew.

Frome held their 2-0 lead until half-time, but five minutes after the restart, Basingstoke brought the score back to 2-1 as Ben Wright scored from the penalty spot after Mapstone had fouled in the area but only received a yellow card.

The goal inspired Basingstoke and they pressed forward increasingly.

Frome had a lucky escape as close-range header just skimmed the Frome bar and after a six-yard shot had gone the same way, it was increasingly looking like an equaliser was on the cards.

Phillips went down well to save a close range shot, and a few minutes later a last ditch saving tackle from Mapstone saved the day, but then seconds afterwards, Davies took the pressure off as he went on a mazy run that took him past four challenges and a cool finish made it 3-1 to Frome.

Basingstoke never gave up and Frome were being pinned in their own half for long periods, but always looked dangerous on the counter attack with Joe Raynes and Jackson going close.

At the other end, Phillips produced a great, late save to tip over a powerful shot from the edge of the box and seal the victory.

Davies was awarded the H&B Tyres Man of the Match award.