Royal Wootton Bassett Town marched into the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round with a convincing 3-0 replay victory against Lydney Town.

Just as on Saturday, Bassett raced into a two goal half time lead. But this time Jonny Aitkenhead's side made sure lightning did not strike twice.

Instead they blitzed their way to victory - and a home time against Amersham Town a week on Saturday.

Making their victory all the more impressive, Bassett were forced to play more than an hour with ten men as Rudi Hopkins was sent off for retaliation after a rush of blood to the youngster's head.

But those who remained on the pitch did a stellar job, keeping Lydney at bay despite the pressure Bassett were put under while short-handed and, at the same time, continuing to threaten on the break.

Just as on Saturday Bassett were quick out the blocks and 2-0 up with less than a quarter of the match gone.

Ben Cleary opened the scoring, firing into the roof of the net after picking his way through the Lydney defence on nine minutes.

Bonsa Teshome then doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute with a hammer shot that went in off the post.

Well in front, Bassett were looking to further press home their advantage. But Hopkins' red card after an altercation with Keelan Maguire-Hamblett forced the hosts into a rethink.

It also gave Lydney renewed hope - and they were firmly on top with the extra man, albeit unable to convert pressure into chances.

Indeed Bassett should really have been 3-0 when Cleary rounded Oliver Phillips but saw Ben Dodd clear off the line.

Bassett then survived a scare when Michael Symons rose to meet a Harry Clark cross but saw his header also blocked on the goalline.

The visitors also felt they should have had a penalty when Adi Adichareh was hauled down, though thankfully the referee waved play on.

The second half started in a similar fashion to how the first ended with Lydney on top but unable to breakdown Bassett's resolute defence.

And there was to be no coming back when, after 68 minutes, Marcel Lewis steered home a simple finish after fine build up play from Ed Taylor as Bassett secured their safe passage through.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 6th August 2025 at 22:06