Warsash Wasps Logo 3 ‒ 1 Royal Wootton Bassett Town Logo

Wasps’ late sting ends Bassett’s Women’s FA Cup hopes

New Road, Sunday 9th September 2018

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies were eliminated from the SSE Women's FA Cup following a 3-1 loss away against Warsash Wasps.

A brave effort from Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies proved not to be enough as they were defeated 3-1 by Warsash Wasps in their SSE Women's FA Cup first qualifying round tie.

Against higher level opposition, Bassett more than held their own. But a serious facial injury to Bassett 'keeper Abi Footner proved critical.

Following a lengthy stoppage in play, the visitors were forced into a reshuffle, with centre forward Zoe Shellard taking over in goal. And though Bassett were able to get on level terms, Warsash struck twice in quick succession to clinch the tie.

Both teams had chances in a tight first half, but were unable to break the deadlock.

However, in the first minute of the second half, a quickly taken Warsash free kick caught Bassett off guard, with the ball into the box creating more defensive confusion, and Megan Fox was on hand to provide a simple finish.

Bassett responded brilliantly though and were almost level when Shellard struck the crossbar.

Shortly after the hour, Footner suffered her injury.

After the long delay, it would have been expected that Bassett's momentum would have been curtailed.

However, they quickly restored parity. Laura Jefferies' cross into the box prompted a goalmouth scramble. And the ball eventually broke for Lauren Usher, who picked out the top corner.

The scores wouldn't remain level for long though, with Warsash scoring twice in the space of two minutes.

First, a powerful strike from Fox flew in beyond Shellard. Then, almost immediately, a well-worked move ended with winger Danielle Cheyney finding the corner of the net.

With twenty minutes still remaining, Bassett showed great desire to try and get themselves back into the game. Yet, as much as Warsash's defence was tested, the visitors were unable to find a way to break their resistance.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 9th September 2018 at 20:17