Despite laying claim to having been the better side on the day, Royal Wootton Bassett Town fell to a 1-0 Isuzu FA Vase first qualifying round defeat away at Brislington.

The tie was decided in the Western League Premier Division side's favour when, with ten minutes to go and against the run of play, Brislington's recent signing Oaklan Buck produced the game's decisive moment as he flicked in a header from a deep free kick.

Bassett had produced a strong enough display that on another afternoon may have earned them a second qualifying round date with Sharpness and a chance to celebrate advancing in a national cup competition for a tenth consecutive season.

In particular, Bassett impressed defensively with Player of the Match Louis Spalding, midweek signings Harry Messenger and Ciaran Walsh and Josh Blyth protecting Josh Sawyer's goal from danger.

At the other end of the pitch though, Bassett were again frustrated as Brislington - who, like their visitors, went into the match looking to kick start their season - managed to preserve a clean sheet.

Bassett's search for the spark that will ignite their season - and the rub of the Green - therefore goes on.

For a squad containing the amount of talent that Jonny Aitkenhead has assembled, that is surely going to be soon. Here's hoping Tuesday's derby visit to Fairford Town delivers just that.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 15th August 2026 at 21:19