Wednesday 16th October 2024
Royal Wootton Bassett Town take to the field in the Isuzu FA Vase on Saturday for what the club hopes will be the beginning of another successful run in the competition.
Each of the last three seasons has seen Sam Collier's side reach the third round of the national competition. And the aim this year is to match that success - and hopefully go even further.
Standing in the way in the first round though are AFC Stoneham - an opponent who have home advantage for the tie and will significantly test Bassett's abilities.
Like Bassett, Stoneham finished as promotion playoff runners-up last season 2023-24, losing an agonising Wessex League Premier Division final 1-0 to Shaftesbury. They have been a consistent force in the Wessex Premier for the past few seasons too, having finished 3rd in 2022-23 and fifth the season before that.
They have started well this season too, reaching the Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round for a second year in a row and have lost just once in the league so far.
Bassett are in excellent form though, and will be confident of getting the best of their opponents despite the clear quality they possess.
It should be a fascinating tie. Kick off on Saturday is 3pm.
There is then a home derby for the Women's First Team on Sunday as they return to South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North action against newly promoted Cirencester Town (Sustain Stadium, 2pm kick off).
After failing to record victory in their last three games, including last Sunday's narrow Women's FA Cup defeat, Adam Wood and his team will be looking to bounce back against opponents who have made a strong start to life in their new surroundings.
Cirencester currently sit second with ten points from six games - though a Bassett win will see them climb above their visitors with a game in hand still to play.
Admission on Sunday is £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.
The Development team are also at home on Saturday as they welcome high-flyers Letcombe - who have made a very strong start to life in the Wiltshire League Premier Division (Sustain Stadium, 3pm kick off).
Admission on Saturday is £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.
Last modified on Thursday 17th October 2024 at 13:49.