Royal Wootton Bassett Town overcame a spirited fight from underdogs Purton to advance to the semi finals of the Wiltshire County Women's Cup with a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Hannah Gulliver and Libby Davies.
Having endured a rough start to their league campaign, the County Cup offered a chance for Simon Harrison's side to get some welcome respite and restore a degree of confidence.
But, while facing lower level opposition, the short trip to quarter final opponents Purton - who sit undefeated at the top of the Wiltshire County Women's League - represented a potential banana skin, with Bassett knowing that they would need to be at their best if they were to advance.
And Purton proved tricky opponents, pushing Bassett for the majority of the match.
Any nerves Bassett felt were initially settled when they took the lead through Gulliver. In her position on the right wing, Gulliver received a switch of play from Caily Morse. There, she masterfully turned inside the full back and struck a left-footed shot from the edge of the area that proved just too powerful for Purton 'keeper, who was unable to prevent the ball from finding its way into the bottom corner.
However, Purton struck back before half time to level. Bassett had three good opportunities to clear, but were unable to do so - and Emma Skinner took full advantage, jumping onto the loose ball and lifting over the onrushing Nia Davies in the Bassett goal.
Bassett would ensure there was to be no upset though, with Libby Davies scoring two unanswered goals after the restart.
Davies' first came as she beat the Purton 'keeper to the ball to get on the end of Ellie O'Nions' excellent low cross from the left corner with a delicate first time finish.
Bassett's leading scorer then produced a trademark solo effort to make it 3-1, firing beneath the home 'keeper from twenty yards after a surging run at the Purton defence.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Monday 21st November 2022 at 10:23
