Bassett to host Hamworthy in FA Vase third round

Monday 22nd November 2021

Royal Wootton Bassett Town will have the benefit of playing at home as they enter unchartered territory in the Buildbase FA Vase, having been paired with Hamworthy United in the competition's third round. The tie is due to take place at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.

The fixture will be the fourth tie Bassett have hosted during their club record-breaking Vase run. In addition to the 2-0 triumph against Torpoint Athletic that sealed Bassett's passage through to the third round, Sam Collier's side have also seen off Knaphill (1-0) and Downton (4-0) when playing in familiar surroundings. Their only away fixture so far was the second qualifying round trip to Portishead Town, which was won 3-1.

In contrast, Wessex League Premier Division outfit Hamworthy have had to battle their way to wins on the road throughout this season's competition. And they'll have to do so again if they are to reach the last 32 for the second time in their history (their only previous fourth round appearance having been in 2018-19).

Entering at the second qualifying round stage, Hamworthy edged out Bassett's Hellenic League Premier Division rivals Corsham Town on penalties after the tie finished 1-1 at the end of normal time. They won on penalties again in the first round, defeating Western League Premier Division side Cadbury Heath after another 1-1 draw. Hamworthy then squeezed past Andover New Street of Wessex League Division One by the odd goal in three to set up their tie with Bassett.

The Hammers' success in the Vase this year has built on that which they have enjoyed in the league and Emirates FA Cup in what has been a hugely impressive campaign so far.

In the FA Cup, victories on the road against Brockenhurst and Westbury United set up a plum tie away at Southern League Premier Division South Merthyr Town. And after a 0-0 draw in south Wales, Hamworthy triumphed 2-0 against their step three opponents in the replay. Hamworthy's superb run was then brought to an end in the second qualifying round – the fourth time they had reached that stage – with a 3-1 loss at Cirencester Town.

Meanwhile, in the league Hamworthy have tasted defeat just once, winning 13 and drawing five of the nineteen games they have played to date – a record that sees them currently sitting in third in the Wessex League Premier Division with a great chance of reaching the summit if they win their games in hand.

They will therefore represent formidable opponents for Sam Collier's side. But at this stage of the Vase, quality opposition is to be expected.

Bassett can take some inspiration though from the fact that they prevailed 1-0 in the only previous meeting between the teams. That came in the FA Cup preliminary round in the 2012-13 season, with Mark Barnes scoring the only goal of a tense Friday night battle at Rylands Way. A report from the game can be read here.

Bassett's win that night formed part of a record run of its own as Dave Turner's team wound up advancing to the second qualifying round of that season's FA Cup.

Fingers crossed that the second-ever meeting between the sides will serve a similar role in helping Bassett on their way to another record.

What is certain is that it will be another afternoon to look forward to at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground – so please do postpone any Christmas shopping plans you have for that afternoon to be with us!

It promises to be another fantastic tie.

Admission prices will be £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for under 18s.

As a larger than usual crowd is expected, tickets for the game can be purchased in advance from the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. These will be on sale on forthcoming First and Under 18 matchdays:

Thursday 2 December (evening)
Saturday 4 December (afternoon)
Monday 6 December (6-8pm)
Tuesday 7 December (6-7pm)
Thursday 9 December (6-7pm)
Friday 10 December (6-7pm)

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Click here for details of Royal Wootton Bassett Town's complete history in the FA Vase.

Last modified on Tuesday 7th December 2021 at 08:53.