Royal Wootton Bassett Town exited the Emirates FA Cup at the extra preliminary round stage for just the second time in the last seven seasons after a 2-0 home defeat against Southern League Division One Central side Winslow United.

A pair of Scotts proved Bassett's undoing as Scott Valentine opened the scoring late in the first half before Harry Scott doubled Winslow's advantage with six minutes remaining to put the tie to bed.

Bassett gave a decent account of themselves against their step four opponents. But their early season goalshy ways continued and denied Bassett the opportunity to push for a replay, let alone earn a place in the preliminary round against league rivals Longlevens.

After a relatively tame opening, Winslow jumped into the lead ten minutes before the break as Valentine capped off a flowing move with a fine finish into the top corner beyond Josh Sawyer.

That sparked a busy end to the half with Harrison Edwards seeing a deflected shot go narrowly over for Bassett while Scott had an effort hacked off the line after he had got past Sawyer.

The early stages of the second half continued in a similar manner, with chances at both ends, though with neither side capable of finding the target. Harry Stratton and Ty Deacon both failed to test Sawyer while Joe Shutt struck just wide for Bassett.

Eventually though the tie would be settled. Substitutes Ethan Flanagan and Aaron King combined before Valentine played in Scott, whose powerful drive went in off the bar.

That served as a suckerpunch for Bassett who had Sawyer to thank for denying Valentine a third after impressive build up play from King.

Bassett now get a second shot at some cup tonic - and a first victory of the new season - next week when they visit Brislington in the Isuzu FA Vase.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 8th August 2026 at 21:33