Wednesday 17th January 2024
There is set to be a pair of extremely tough tests for Royal Wootton Bassett Town this weekend with the Women's First Team aiming for a County Cup upset and the Men's First Team hosting the Hellenic League Premier Division favourites.
On Sunday Bassett visit Swindon Town in the quarter finals of the Wiltshire County Women's Cup (Green Lane Playing Fields, Devizes, 3.30pm kick off).
Facing opponents from the FA Women's National League Division One South West - two levels above Bassett - Adam Wood's side enter the tie as big underdogs.
But Bassett can be buoyed by the fact that the pressure is all on Swindon, while the Robins also lost to lower level opposition in the competition last season, falling to eventual winners Warminster Town.
Bassett have faced Swindon's Development side on a relatively frequent basis in recent years - including in a pair of County Cup finals. But Sunday's game against their first string will be the first competitive fixture between the sides since the 2013-14 showpiece, which Swindon won 7-1.
The Robins are favourites again - but Bassett will give their best as they seek to spring a surprise.
Prior to that Saturday sees an exciting home clash that promises a bumper crowd as the Men's First Team host Hellenic League Premier Division title favourites Worcester City.
Sam Collier's side will be seeking to avenge a 4-0 away defeat in the teams' inaugural meeting in November.
By far the division's best supported side, Bassett look forward to welcoming City and their travelling fans to the Sustain Stadium (3pm kick off).
Admission is £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.
As a large crowd is expected, those attending are advised to arrive early and purchase tickets in the bar to ease any congestion at the turnstiles.
The Development team are in away action against near neighbours Shrivenham in the Wiltshire League Premier Division (2.15pm).
Mark Simpkins' team triumphed 4-1 when the sides met back in September.
Last modified on Wednesday 17th January 2024 at 08:00.