Hannah Gulliver's afternoon may have ended prematurely as injury forced her off before the break. But the Royal Wootton Bassett Town forward still had more than enough time to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of her side's Adobe Women's FA Cup first qualifying round tie away at Ross Juniors, scoring a hat trick in an eventual 5-1 victory.

Adam Wood's side were deserved winners in the end as they progressed to the second qualifying round where they will host higher level opposition in the form of Ilminster Town.

Bassett's visit to Ross pitted them against tier seven opponents. But with the risk of being on the wrong end of an upset - Ross, playing in the Women's FA Cup for the first time, were certainly highly motivated to get something from the game, Bassett ultimately ensured they progressed with a comfortable win.

A bright start was eventually rewarded on the 15 minute mark when Gulliver stole possession before proceeding to round home 'keeper Imogen Stephens and slot home.

Gulliver then doubled Bassett's lead shortly after, firing in from a Kat Bach cross after the summer signing seized on a loose throw in from the hosts and delivered on a plate for her teammate.

Ross were putting up a strong fight though and soon reduced their arrears as Millie Mialsom got on the end of a corner to guide the ball into the net.

Bassett's two goal lead was soon restored though as Gulliver bravely got on the end of a Laura Jefferies set piece delivery, poking in at the far post and picking up a knock in the process that would curtail her afternoon.

Another decisive moment soon arrived six minutes before the break as the hosts were awarded a penalty that Millie Powell brilliantly saved as she dived to her right side to preserve Bassett's advantage.

That put Bassett in a position of comfort going into the second half. And the visitors proceeded to exert greater control over the match.

But further goals did not initially seem forthcoming.

Maddy Elliott had two chances in quick succession early in the second half, the first being blocked by Stephens with Bach unable to convert the follow up before Elliott shot just wide.

Then with ten minutes to go substitute Jasmine Kennedy saw a shot from a Jefferies corner cleared off the line.

Bach eventually provided Bassett's fourth with three minutes to go. Holly Baker drove forward before squaring to Lucy Goodright. Stephens kept out her shot with the rebound falling to Kennedy who snatched at the chance. The ball found Bach though and she made no mistake.

Four then became five in stoppage time as late substitute Grace Whitehouse steered home from another towering Jefferies corner.

A fine five goal performance and a place in the next round booked - it was pretty much the perfect way for Bassett to start their season.

Now to carry that form over into next week's league opener away at rivals Purton.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 1st September 2024 at 18:03