Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 7 March 2023

Royal Wootton Bassett Town are just ninety minutes (and a possible penalty shootout) away from a first cup final appearance in 22 years after Sam Collier's side recorded a convincing 4-1 quarter final triumph against Southam United.

Facing Hellenic League Division One opponents who put a spirited fight, a three goal first half ensured Bassett's night was a relatively comfortable one and that the possibility of an upset was killed off early.

Bassett led midway through the first half as Alfie Presley found the net following good set up play by the in-form Scott Chilcott.

Two goals late in the half then swung the tie firmly in Bassett's favour.

Bassett doubled their lead in stunning style. Matt Jones saw a shot from the edge of the area blocked, and the loose ball fell into the path of Jack Hobson-McVeigh who, with one powerful swing of his right boot, fired a first time rocket from 25 yards that flew into the top corner.

Dave Bampton then quickly made it three with a more routine finish. His header from a Jones corner was initially kept out by a fine reaction save from Lewis Hudson, but the rebound fell to the veteran defender who swept home from close range.

While performing well, the half time score somewhat flattered Bassett as Southam were playing some decent football.

And it took a while for the hosts to extend the score further following the restart, with Alan Griffin eventually converting from the spot after Chilcott had been brought down.

Griffin should have added another soon after but somehow missed a glorious opportunity after a sublime pass from Presley.

Instead, the fifth goal of the game fell to Southam with Theo Drummond finishing following a Simon Barby pass.

However, that was merely a consolation - albeit arguably a deserved one - for the visitors, as Bassett marched on to the semi finals.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 8th March 2023 at 13:35