Home advantage for County Cup semi final trio

Monday 28th January 2019

Three of Royal Wootton Bassett Town's four representatives in the semi finals of Wiltshire County Cup competitions have been handed the advantage of home ties.

The Under 18 Blue, 16 Blue and 15 Blue sides all will host games in the last four as they seek to book their place in the final of the most prestigious competitions they are able to enter.

Bassett's Ladies team have also reached the semi final of the Wiltshire County Women's Cup, though face an away trip for their contest.

Under 15 Blue

The Under 15 Blues will be first to try and book their final place when they host league rivals Swindon Supermarine J on Sunday 10th February.

Bassett's path to the last four has seen them see off Bradford Town Youth Panthers (7-0), Lydiard Youth Blue (4-0), Northside Athletic (awarded victory) and Castle Combe Colts (5-2).

Meanwhile, Supermarine have defeated Wroughton Youth Lightning (4-1), Trowbridge Wanderers Thunder (6-0), and Salisbury Youth White (4-1).

Bassett prevailed 4-2 in the only league meeting between the teams so far this season.

The winners will take on either FC Calne Youth Blue or FC Chippenham Youth White in the final.

Under 16 Blue

The Under 16 Blues booked their semi final place with a 4-0 win against Wanborough Juniors Yellow on Sunday, courtesy of goals from Michael Friend (2), Luca Robinson and Daniel Warre.

That followed wins against Durrington (awarded) and FC Abbey Meads Colts (21-1).

The reigning County Cup holders, Bassett now face their toughest test in the competition yet with a home tie against Trowbridge Town Youth Lions on Sunday 24th February.

Their meeting will be a repeat of the semi final from last season too. Playing away on that occasion, Bassett came from behind to win 2-1.

Trowbridge's path to the last four has seen them triumph over Melksham Town Youth Hurricanes (5-1), Warminster Town Youth Black (5-0) and Malmesbury Youth Tornadoes (4-1).

The winners will take on Chippenham Town Youth or Salisbury Youth in the final.

Under 18 Blue

On Sunday, Bailey Gallagher's brace and a further strike from George Staten sealed a 3-0 victory for the Under 18 Blues against Malmesbury Victoria Development to set up a home tie against North Wilts League Division Two leaders Stratton Juniors Pumas on Sunday 24th February.

Bassett have been in imperious form so far in the competition, beating Derry Hill United Pyros (13-0) and New College (6-1) in the previous rounds.

Stratton's journey to the Youth Cup semi finals has involved victories against Westbury Youth (4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw), Chippenham Town Youth Under 17 (awarded) and Highworth Town Juniors H (4-2).

Awaiting in the final will be FC Chippenham Youth, Wanborough Juniors or Chippenham Town Under 18.

Ladies

The Ladies will visit South West Women's Football League Eastern Division rivals Laverstock and Ford in their Women's Cup semi final on Sunday 17th February.

Bassett beat Laverstock 5-0 in their only meeting to date, but will need to be on top form to secure a return to the County Cup final for a second season in a row.

En route to the last four they have beat Salisbury (7-1) and Melksham Town (15-0).

Laverstock, meanwhile, have defeated Swindon Supermarine (6-0) and FC Chippenham (7-0).

The winners will take on Swindon Spitfires or Trowbridge Town in the final.

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Best of luck to all Bassett's teams for their semi final games!

It would be great to see good crowds support the teams as they try and reach the County Cup final.

To have one team reach this stage is an achievement. But having four just a win away from the final shows the strength of the club's youth and Ladies teams this season!

Last modified on Monday 28th January 2019 at 21:01.