Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 21 February 2023

Matt Crowther was the hero as Royal Wootton Bassett Town booked a Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup quarter final place after edging out Thornbury Town 4-2 on penalties in a closely fought third round tie.

Crowther saved twice in the shootout, while Bailey Gallagher, Alan Griffin, Scott Chilcott and Jon Beeden all scored to secure Bassett's safe passage to the last eight - and to keep alive hopes of a first cup final appearance in 22 seasons for the club's Men's First Team.

That drought was in danger of continuing after Harry Brock's second half equaliser cancelled out Chilcott's first half opener.

The fourth time this season Bassett have had a cup tie decided through the lottery of penalties, Sam Collier's side were ultimately able to avoid a third straight defeat in such circumstances courtesy of Crowther's heroics.

With Bassett on course for their highest ever league finish and having already matched their best run in the FA Vase, reaching a cup final would add further to what has already been an excellent season.

Just two games now stand between Bassett and such an achievement.

Here's hoping for a favourable draw - and a less stressful tie - to take the team another step closer.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 at 20:20