FA Cup action returns to Bassett

Tuesday 11th August 2015

FA Cup football returns to Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday as Bracknell Town visit the New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground for what should be an exciting Extra Preliminary Round clash (3pm kick off).

The meeting will be the first contest in the competition to be played in the town since Bassett's history making victory against Highworth Town in the 2012/13 First Qualifying Round. That was the third home win recorded that year, with Calne Town and Hamworthy United having previously been defeated at Rylands Way.

And Paul Braithwaite's team will be hoping to rediscover some of the cup magic conjured up at their old home during its final years when they welcome their Berkshire opponents this weekend.

It was against Bracknell that Bassett enjoyed arguably their most famous home victory in the world's oldest cup competition back in September 2007.

Then, the teams – separated by two divisions with Bassett, under the stewardship of Paul Burke, in Hellenic League Division One West and Bracknell in Southern League Division One South & West – met in a Preliminary Round tie. And, on a glorious Sunday afternoon, Bassett achieved a huge upset as captain Steve Yeardley scored twice in a magnificent 2-1 triumph for the home team.

Now the two sides are Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division rivals and go into the game as more or less equals having finished 9th (Bracknell) and 11th (Bassett) in the division last season.

While their overall league performance has been similar over the past couple of years, in matchups against one another it has been the Robins who have held the upper hand. In six league meetings since that cup clash, Bracknell have won four, with two draws the best Bassett could muster.

Last season Bracknell won 5-0 at the Corinium Stadium before two late goals rescued Bassett a dramatic point in the return fixture at Larges Lane.

Admission prices for Saturday's game will be:

£6 for adults
£3 for senior citizens and under 16s
£2 for those under 12

Last modified on Tuesday 11th August 2015 at 21:31.