Royal Wootton Bassett Town were in dominant form as they thrashed Longwell Green 14-0 in the Women's FA Cup first qualifying round. Adam Wood's side registered eight goals in the first half before adding six after half time as they were relentless from the first minute to the last.
Facing lower level opponents from the Gloucestershire County League Division One, the gulf in class between the teams was clearly evident, with the game being more of a mismatch than a proper contest. Nevertheless, Bassett got the job done, playing some stylish football along the way, as they comfortably booked a second qualifying round date away at league rivals Stockwood Wanderers.
It didn't take long for the scoring to open, with the honours falling to Hannah Gulliver in just the fourth minute.
Libby Davies quickly made it 2-0 before Maddy Elliott got in on the act. Davies and Elliott then took it in turns to take Bassett up to 5-0, at which point Davies was withdrawn to save her legs for more tougher challenges to come.
Even with Bassett's biggest threat removed from the action, there were still three further goals to come before half time.
Emma Sykes - who netted a brace in the league opener against Purton - found the net again with an outstanding strike. What Sykes could produce, captain Laura Jefferies matched as she scored a screamer. Gulliver, adding her second, completed the scoring for the half.
Bassett could have afforded to take their foot off the gas for the second half. But that didn't happen as they continued to scorch the Longwell Green defence.
Natalie Goodright added number nine before Caily Morse quickly made it ten.
There was then a brief lull, with Bassett having to wait for number eleven. When it did arrive, Elliott completed her hat trick.
Substitute Aly Topping was on hand to make it a dozen from the penalty spot, with Jefferies adding Bassett's lucky thirteenth.
Youngster Morse - who also missed from a penalty - then finally rounded off the scoring as Bassett exceeded their previous record win in the competition by a remarkable six goals.
Tougher tests will certainly come. But - demonstrating the firepower at their disposal - Bassett made a clear show of attacking intent as they took the opening round of the Women's FA Cup by storm.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 10th September 2023 at 18:15
