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Spot on Bassett survive cup scare

Loop Meadow Stadium, Wednesday 22nd January 2025

Royal Wootton Bassett Town triumphed 5-4 on penalties as they survived a Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup scare against Didcot Town Development.

Sam Collier's side were pushed all the way by their Hellenic League Division Two East hosts with the game finishing 1-1 at full time after Bassett were forced to come from behind.

The Bassett boss did use the game as an opportunity to rotate his squad, with Development team 'keeper Adam House promoted to the side and former Under 18s star Noah Cranswick-Coates given his debut.

Nevertheless the side Bassett had out was still a strong one. However they came up against a Didcot team - flying high in the league - who were determined to prove their worth against higher level opponents.

After a goalless opening period, Didcot took the lead shortly after the hour mark as Freddie Copping snatched the opener.

The hosts' lead lasted all of a couple minutes though as Brad Pagliaroli levelled.

The game could then have swung either way, though Didcot had arguably the best chance to win the match when House did well to keep out a low shot from Kenny Hedges.

Penalties were ultimately required and Bassett had the advantage of going first.

Nine perfect penalties followed. Pagliaroli, Dan Grieve, Bailey Gallagher, Finn Hopkins and Kyle Witt scored for Bassett, with Copping, Hedges, Mikey McKirnan and Alfie Rouse converting for Didcot.

That meant Alex Cawley had to score to keep the tie alive for Didcot - but he failed to convert as Bassett squeaked through to set up a last sixteen tie away at Cirencester Town.

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Following the match it was discovered that Royal Wootton Bassett Town had inadvertently fielded an ineligible player in the fixture. As a result, Didcot were awarded victory and will take their place in the third round away against Cirencester Town.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Friday 24th January 2025 at 13:07