Thursday 9th November 2023
Saturday's Isuzu FA Vase tie against Longlevens is Royal Wootton Bassett Town's sixth ever in the second round.
Below is an overview of Bassett's previous games at this stage of the competition, which have typically provided drama and entertainment. Links are included to match reports from each game.
After wins away at Buckingham Athletic (5-3) and Henley Town (6-0) and an upset home victory after extra time against Kidlington (3-2), then step six Bassett travel to Wessex League Premier Division side - and former Vase - winners Wimborne Town.
That tie proved a game too much for Dave Turner's side though as Wimborne - scoring a pair of goals in each half - comfortably triumphed 4-0 on a cold afternoon in Dorset.
A trio of home wins against Fairford Town (3-1), Codicote (5-0) and Ampthill Town (2-1) earned Bassett - by this point back in the Hellenic League Premier Division - a trip to Horndean of the Wessex League Premier Division.
Postponements meant the game eventually got played midweek - and it was an eventful one under the lights.
Bassett took the lead courtesy of Antonio Gerrish's stunning stike. But the visitors were soon reduced to nine men, Chris Jackson controversially seeing red for a handball and current manager Sam Collier also getting his marching orders for taking his protests too far.
After order had been restored, Horndean equalised from the spot and Bassett were left with a huge uphill challenge, playing an hour with nine men.
But Bassett pushed Horndean all the way in the second half. The hosts took the lead early before Lewis Waldon restored parity. Horndean eventually struck the killer blow though, capitalising on a Bassett error.
Wins against Stonehouse Town (1-0) and Camelford (4-0) set up a tricky visit to Western League Premier Division Bridgwater Town.
Despite being an even contest, Bassett found themselves 2-0 down early in the second half.
Bassett fought back valiantly with TJ Bohane reducing arrears from the penalty spot. That was not enough though as Sam Collier's side fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Victories over Knaphill (1-0), Portishead Town (3-1) and Downton (4-0) teed up a home clash with South West Peninsula League Premier Division East high flyers Torpoint Athletic.
Finally, Bassett got the job done. John Mills gave the hosts the lead on the stroke of half time with a superb low free kick. Gio Wrona then made it 2-0 in the second half with a long range left foot drive.
History was made with the 2-0 triumph as Bassett reached the third round for the first time.
Exempt to the first round, Bassett outlasted Bridport (5-3) to earn a second round trip to Western League Premier Division Wellington.
Bassett's previous visit to the Somerset side ended in a 4-0 defeat back in 2004/05. The outcome was different this time though in a seesaw game.
Tommy Ouldridge gave Bassett the lead with a well taken goal but Wellington were ahead at the break courtesy of two clinical finishes.
Manager Sam Collier delivered a stern half time team talk to his side, but it appeared as though that would not do the trick as Wellington, defending deep, kept Bassett at bay. That was until a Matt Jones cross was deflected into the net by a home defender late on to force penalties.
Wellington hit the post with their first. In contrast, Bassett were perfect, converting all five penalties to win 5-4.
A narrow 2-1 win against Elburton Villa set up this season's tie with Longlevens. Will Bassett make it a third straight second round win
Here's hoping!
For details of our complete FA Vase competition history visit the history section of our website here.
Last modified on Thursday 9th November 2023 at 07:30.