Wednesday 30th July 2025

The Emirates FA Cup has been kind to Royal Wootton Bassett Town in recent years with Bassett progressing beyond the opening extra preliminary round in five of the last seven season.

And new manager Jonny Aitkenhead will be hoping his side can extend that run when they visit fellow Hellenic League Premier Division side Lydney Town on Saturday (3pm kick off).

The tie is a rematch of a preliminary round encounter in 2018-19. That year Bassett were initially handed home advantage, with the teams playing out a dull 0-0 draw.

The replay wound up being much more dramatic. The Severnsiders ultimately recorded a 5-3 victory in a match that saw ten man Bassett claw their way back to level after going 2-0 behind, before the hosts pulled clear in the second half.

Bassett will therefore be looking to avenge that loss - with the reward for victory a home tie against either Amersham Town or Cinderford Town.

Also on Saturday the Development team kick off their Wiltshire League Premier Division campaign at home against Melksham Town Reserves (Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 3pm kick off).

Mark Simpkins' side played out a pair of thrilling fixtures against their opponents last season - with both games unfortunately ending in 3-2 defeats despite Bassett having held the lead.

More entertainment but a different outcome are therefore hoped for in their first encounter in 2025-26.

Admission on Saturday is £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.

Last modified on Wednesday 30th July 2025 at 07:31.