Sunday 27th September 2026
Sunday sees Royal Wootton Bassett Town make their fifth consecutive appearance in the Women's FA Cup third qualifying round. And James Lally's side will be seeking to write club history by advancing beyond that stage for the first time ever and reaching the first round proper.
To do so will require a major upset against FA Women's National League side Bridgwater United. But, surely at some point, it has to be Bassett's year?
Below we chronicle Bassett's recent experience at this stage of the competition.
2022-23
Bassett reached the third qualifying round courtesy of a routine 6-0 win away at Middlezoy Rovers (whose ground will host Sunday's tie with Bridgwater).
That set up a visit to Torquay United, who put paid to Bassett's hopes of a first round appearance with a convincing 5-2 victory. The Gulls led 2-1 at the break after a Holly Baker goal was sandwiched between two for the hosts. Torquay then scored three goals in a devastating 15 minute second half spell to seal the tie before Chantelle Church netted a late consolation.
2023-24
Two bigs away wins - 14-0 against Longwell Green and 7-2 at Stockwood Wanderers - set Bassett up with a home tie against fellow tier six side AFC Stoneham.
A nail biting, closely fought tie ensued at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground with neither side able to break the deadlock - until fifteen minutes from time Stoneham were awarded a questionable free kick from which they scored. That proved to be the only goal of the game as the Purps advanced.
2024-25
Bassett produced two strong performances to reach the third qualifying round for a third year in a row. They began their journey with a 5-1 triumph away at Ross Juniors before grabbing a stoppage time equaliser and winnings on penalties to defeat higher level Ilminster Town at home.
When the third qualifying round draw was made, Bassett had a sense of déjà vu: Torquay away, again. Unlike their meeting two seasons before, this time the teams were not division rivals with Bassett the underdogs.
Adam Wood's side gave a strong account of themselves though as they took the game to their hosts. However, it wasn't to be. Torquay snatched the lead just before the break. They then added a fortuitous second on the hour before scoring on the break to make it three. Kat Bach pulled one back for Bassett but it was too little, too late.
2025-26
Bassett showed their defensive prowess as they kept clean sheets in away wins against Frimley Green (2-0) and Bristol Brunel (1-0) to make it four third qualifying round appearances on the trot.
This time Bassett's reward was a home tie against tier five Forest Green Rovers (a level above James Lally's team). Again, it wasn't meant to be.
An own goal gave Rovers an early lead before they doubled their advantage heading into the break. After Elle Scott came close to cutting the deficit, Forest Green delivered a sucker punch to make it 3-0, meaning Lauren Bulley's late goal was a mere consolation.
2026-27
Another season, another third qualifying round appearance - earned this time by a hard fought 2-1 home victory against Gloucester City in which Bassett demonstrated their desire to win.
Another tough draw - perhaps the most difficult draw Bassett could have got - now stands in the way of progress to the first round proper.
Make no mistake, Bassett are underdogs. But this is the FA Cup. Can it be Bassett's turn to spring a shock and make history? Here's hoping.
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Historical details of Royal Wootton Bassett Town's participation in all national cup competitions in which it has competed are available in the history section of our website.
For each competition, details of all results are listed, as well as - where information is available - line-ups and match reports.
See the following pages for details:
Last modified on Sunday 27th September 2026 at 21:45.