Royal Wootton Bassett Town's hopes of reaching the Vitality Women's FA Cup first round proper were dashed as Torquay United triumphed 5-2 in the teams' third qualifying round tie in Devon.

While Torquay had been better of the two sides during the first half, they were only able to go into the break with a slender 2-1 lead. However, Torquay registered three goals in a fifteen minute second half spell to put themselves in an unassailable position, with Bassett only able to muster a last minute consolation.

In a battle between South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division rivals, Torquay struck first, taking a third minute lead courtesy of Tracey Cross' looping effort after Ocean Latto had delivered a corner into the box.

Bassett struck back midway through the half as Holly Baker produced a composed finish after breaking into the box.

Parity wouldn't last long though as a one-two with Cross opened up space for winger Mia Preston, who coolly slotted home beyond Millie Powell.

The score remained that way until the hour mark when Latto smashed a stunning strike into the top corner from distance to make it 3-1.

That strike seemed to break Bassett's spirits - and two further goals quickly followed, both of which were scored by Ellie Bishop.

Bishop's first of the match came after she raced onto Kiara Robins' ball over the top and arrowed a shot across Powell and into the opposite corner.

She then latched onto another through ball before calmly lifting over an onrushing Powell.

Summer signing Chantelle Church was able to net her first goal in competitive football for Bassett in injury time - but it was too little, too late after Torquay's decisive three goal flurry.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 23rd October 2022 at 17:33