Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 21 November 2023

After reaching the semi finals last year, Royal Wootton Bassett Town's hopes of another extended Marsh Challenge Cup run were quickly dashed as Sam Collier's side suffered a 3-1 first round defeat at home against Roman Glass St George.

Bassett were left to rue a lively spell early in the second half when they were on top of their opponents, but could only yield an equaliser, a 70th minute Tommy Ouldridge goal cancelling out a lead Roman Glass had held since Shea Mannings' 10th minute penalty.

A fine finish from Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist then restored the visitors' lead with just over ten minutes of the match remaining before the same player put the outcome beyond doubt as stoppage time began.

Bassett, without a cup final appearance since the 2000-01 campaign, do still have an interest in three cup competitions - with games in each over the next two weeks.

That stretch begins with a Wiltshire Premier Shield quarter final visit to Highworth Town next Wednesday. There then follows the Isuzu FA Vase third round clash with Bridgwater United before a home date with Clanfield in the last sixteen of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup.

Progress in all three will be a tough ask - but it's an achievement worth aiming for as Bassett seek to end their silverware drought.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 18th May 2024 at 15:19