Monday 2nd October 2023
Having won away in the opening two rounds, Royal Wootton Bassett Town have been handed a home tie in the Women's FA Cup third qualifying round against AFC Stoneham, with the game scheduled to take place on Sunday 22 October at the Sustain Stadium (2pm kick off).
The contest pits Bassett against fellow tier six opposition with the Purples playing in the Southern Region Women's Football League Division One South. And with both sides enjoying strong starts to their league campaigns – as well as success in the Women's FA Cup – it has the potential to be a fantastic contest.
In reaching the third qualifying round courtesy of big wins against Longwell Green (14-0) and Stockwood Wanderers (7-2), Bassett have matched their best ever run in the competition. But Adam Wood and his side will be looking to avoid a repeat of last year when they suffered a 5-2 third qualifying round loss at the hands of Torquay United.
Instead, Bassett will be seeking to write history and reach the first round proper for the first time. Having received home advantage and avoided being paired with a tier four or five opponent, this therefore represents the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Make no mistake though, Bassett will have to be at their best to overcome AFC Stoneham.
After winning the Hampshire County Women's League in 2020-21, the Purples earned promotion to Southern Region Division One South. Finishing fourth in their debut campaign, they went on to earn runners-up last season, ending up just a point behind eventual champions Badshot Lea. This year has seen another strong start too, with three wins from their opening four games.
As well as their league success, Stoneham have performed strongly in the Women's FA Cup. This season is just their fourth participation, but the Purples have already twice advanced to the first round proper.
After winning through three rounds before exiting at the second qualifying round stage in 2020-21, a season later – and with the competition revamped – they won away at Bursledon, earned a walkover against Merley Cobham Sports and beat Feniton 4-0 to progress to the first round, where they suffered a 6-0 defeat at home against Eastleigh.
2022-23 saw another first round appearance. Beginning with an away win at Shanklin before home triumphs against Rushmoor Community and Eversley and California – the latter on penalties, Stoneham again advanced through the qualifying round before losing 3-0 at home against Actonians.
Entering the competition at the second qualifying round this year, they recorded an 8-0 victory against league rivals Rushmoor to book their date with Bassett.
Stoneham will therefore be seeking to make it a hat trick of first round appearances, while Bassett will be aiming to make it that far for the first time.
The tie – taking place the same weekend as the Men's First Team's FA Vase first round clash with Elburton Villa – therefore has all the ingredients to be a cracker and we look forward to welcoming our opponents to Wiltshire.
Last modified on Monday 2nd October 2023 at 13:56.