Pre-season ended for Boro with a third consecutive defeat and a third game without a goal, although good chances were created – but squandered - in the second half.

The first half was highly competitive with Basildon playing in the manner of underdogs in an important cup tie, but oddly it was Boro who received the half’s only cautions, while after the break Guy Norton was sin binned for complaining – rightly, if a little too forcefully – after being fouled but not receiving a free-kick.

Basildon hit the bar with a third minute free-kick, but Boro went close when Christian Adu Gyamfi headed wide from a corner that ensued from a save by the Basildon keeper after Nick Reynolds’ long throw had resulted in an effort turned round the post.

Boro also went close with a curling shot that was off target and a header over the bar, but half-time arrived without a goal for either side.

In the first minute of the second half a flowing Boro move ended with a shot that shaved the outside of a post and shortly afterwards a poor ball by a Basildon defender in his own penalty area presented Nick Reynolds with a shooting opportunity, but he put the ball over the bar. Basildon also missed the target with a shot that went over before Lewis Browne had a shot blocked by the Basildon goalkeeper.

Brad Davison made two good saves within the space of a minute, but Boro again went close through Browne when he was once again denied by the home keeper.

The winner came five minutes from the end and again, Boro were appealing for a foul that was not awarded and Basildon broke on the right and the low cross was converted.

Performances count more than results in pre-season, and Friday’s opening league game at West Essex will be the first match that really matters.