Royal Wootton Bassett Town are back among the goals - and back to winning ways - as they beat Malmesbury Victoria 2-1 to reach the quarter finals of the Wiltshire Premier Shield.

Both teams entered the game seeking some cup tonic as a cure for their league struggles - and ultimately it was Jonny Aitkenhead's side who would progress after a tight encounter that ended in a bad tempered manner.

Malmesbury took an early lead as Kassa Anderson scored with the tie just ten minutes old.

But Bassett responded positively and took a half time lead that they merited courtesy of a pair of well taken goals.

Captain Alfie Presley drew the hosts level midway through the half before Ed Taylor picked out the top corner two minutes prior to half time to put Bassett in front.

And their lead could have been more with Ed Oatley having struck the bar in the opening period.

Bassett seemingly gained a bigger advantage just after the restart as an injury to 'keeper Harry Pickering forced the visitors to bring assistant manager Alan Griffin on in goal.

But the hosts were unable to find a way past the wily veteran, who - in fairness - is no stranger to donning the gloves, having done so to impressive effect during his spell with Bassett.

At the other end, Bassett stymied Malmesbury as they preserved their lead.

And their cause was made simpler in the final ten minutes as, first, Kai Robinson saw red for a push mixed in with some choice language, before Omaree Cox was also dismissed for an elbow on Bassett match winner Taylor.

Unlike their visitors, Bassett maintained their discipline, booking a place in the last eight, where they will be joined by Devizes Town and Laverstock and Ford - also winners on the night - as well as Swindon Town, with four first round ties still to be played.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 27th October 2026 at 22:30