Weymouth Road, 21 November 2021

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies fell to an upset defeat away against Warminster Town in their Wiltshire County Women's Cup quarter final. After the two sides had shared four goals during the 90 minutes, Warminster kept their nerve to triumph 3-2 on penalties.

Facing opposition from the South West Regional Women's Football League Eastern Division - a step below Bassett, Graham Fletcher's side entered the contest as favourites to progress to the semi finals of the competition.

But a strong first half performance from Warminster meant Bassett were playing catch up. And despite coming from 2-0 down to draw level, the visitors were unable to find a winner before falling short when the game went to penalties.

Warminster had star striker Shannon Redhouse to thank for their healthy half time lead.

Her first - struck sweetly into the top corner - came after a strong Lydia Shirley challenge won possession back for her team deep in Bassett territory on 18 minutes.

Redhouse then grabbed her second with one minute to go until the interval, slotting home after good set up play from Mia Blazey.

Bassett struck back five minutes after the restart through leading scorer Libby Davies before captain Laura Jefferies equalised quarter of an hour later.

There were no further goals - although Davies had what would have been the match winner controversially disallowed with five minutes remaining. That meant the game went to penalties.

Despite two excellent saves from young 'keeper Millie Powell, only Davies and Hayley Huckin were able to convert their penalties for Bassett, allowing for Warminster to claim a 3-2 shootout win and march on to the last four.

The result means Bassett pass up the chance to retain a title they won in 2018-19. There is little time to lick their wounds either, with an important home league fixture against Forest Green Rovers on the cards next.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 21st November 2021 at 16:07