If there's one thing that is most likely to prevent Royal Wootton Bassett Town from claiming honours in the South West Regional Women's Football League this season, it's their profligacy in front of goal.

That frustrating characteristic reared its head again in James Lally's side latest outing as they slipped to a 2-0 Divisional Cup quarter final defeat against Bitton - a team Bassett are also competing with in a congested title race in Division One North.

The result meant that over their last three games Bassett have scored just one goal - a record that will need to improve if they are to earn promotion at the end of the season.

Thankfully, defeat to Bitton in the cup will have no bearing on whether Bassett can seal a return to tier five. But it serves as a reminder as to where they need to focus their efforts as the business end of the season approaches.

At the other end of the pitch, Bassett's defence has been - and continues to be - a force with Bitton's strong attack the latest to find the going tough against a rock solid back line.

But they eventually found their way through twice, scoring from a set piece and then late on when the game was stretched.

This was only the fourth time in 19 competitive fixtures this season that Bassett have conceded multiple times in a game (two other times Bassett have conceded twice with just the one game where they have let in three goals). On all four occasions, Bassett have failed to win.

Fine margins decided the tie with Bitton.

After an opening period in which neither 'keeper was really threatened, Bassett had a big opportunity early in the second half to take the lead.

Bitton 'keeper Morgan Honeywell flapped at a Hannah Gulliver corner, and the ball fell to Alice Bowden whose sweeping effort was headed off the line.

The visitors would then take the lead in fortuitous circumstances. Niamh Hague struck a fierce 25 yard free kick that Millie Powell acrobatically tipped onto the bar. It was a fantastic save, however Powell could do nothing to prevent the rebound falling for Tia Mahadevan who nodded in from close range.

Chances remained at a premium after the opening goal, though Bitton's Skye Coole came close to adding a second for her team when she steered narrowly over from a tight angle.

Then with time winding down Bassett came inches away from an equaliser when Briony Hurd gambled to meet a towering Laura Jefferies cross at the far post. Hurd beat Honeywell to the ball, heading just off target from ten yard before being wiped out by the 'keeper, though no penalty was forthcoming.

Moments later Bitton sealed their victory. There was a hint of offside as Hague delivered a ball over the top for Abbie Woodley-Marshall. But there was no doubting the finish as the Bitton forward coolly lobbed Powell.

It was an unfortunate defeat for Bassett in a game that could have gone either way - and a lesson in how important it is to take your chances.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 8th March 2026 at 20:46