Sunday 12th October 2025
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 13 Girls had their first cup game of the season on Saturday and got off to a flying start in the Wiltshire County Cup, sealing a 5-0 second round win over Marlborough Youth Marvels.
Bassett dominated for the first 15 minutes but couldn't manage to find the back of the net. Then suddenly, in a matter of minutes, a flurry of goals went in.
The opener came from Tia Campbell, who claimed her first goal of the season. Ava Merwood-Palmer sent a brilliant cross into the box to Christina Croft, who sent a stunning strike crashing against the crossbar. However, Tia was there to follow it up, and fired the ball home. 1-0 Bassett!
Not long after, the Blues were on the attack again, hoping to double their lead. Christina chipped a great ball over the Marlborough defence for Ava to run onto and slot into the bottom corner.
Moments later, Bassett extended their lead further. Christina crossed the ball in low from the left, which was fumbled in by the Marlborough keeper. The girls went into the break 3-0 up.
The second half was much the same, with Bassett creating wave after wave of attack. A dangerous cross from Hollie Peachey was bundled into the net by Christina to get Bassett their fourth.
With the game getting closer to the final whistle, Emily Garrett used her pace and skill to weave in and out of players, before calmly placing the ball into the corner. 5-0!
Player of the match went to Emily, working hard down the right wing and getting a well-deserved first goal of the season. Well done girls - onto FC Chippenham in the league next week.
The Under 14s, meanwhile, suffered a heart-breaking defeat to a strong FC Abbey Meads Youth Purple team in their Wiltshire County Cup tie, missing out on a place in the third round due to the dreaded penalties.
Bassett made a good start, creating chances and moving the ball well.
Unfortunately, their opponents were awarded a penalty early on for a controversial handball in the area. Abbey Meads finished, but Bassett didn't give up hope, knowing there was time to find an equaliser.
The Blues were eventually rewarded when Mia Hughes found the bottom corner, bringing the score level.
Alisa Allan and Sienna Matthews also came close to finding the back of the net, but Abbey Meads held strong. The girls went into the break 1-1.
Bassett were strong in the second half, with Mia's shots forcing the keeper to make some good saves. Sienna was awarded a penalty after she was fouled in the box - but her strike was saved by the keeper.
Neither team could manage to break through, so the game went to penalties.
Sadly, Bassett's first two penalties were saved, while Abbey Meads converted. Izzy Ellis managed to get a goal back, giving the whole team hope, but the Blues saw their final effort saved.
Just like that, Bassett's cup dream was over.
Last modified on Sunday 12th October 2025 at 22:52.