Royal Wootton Bassett Town exited the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup following a 3-2 defeat on penalties away against near neighbours Swindon Supermarine Reserves.

A tightly contested 90 minutes against motivated Hellenic League Division One opponents ended with nothing separating the teams after both sides managed a goal apiece.

Supermarine took the lead on the stroke of half time through Sam Sanger.

But, although going into the break behind, Bassett quickly restored parity following the restart as Ed Oatley netted his second of the season.

Neither side was subsequently able to find the game's third goal, forcing penalties - and it would be the hosts who kept their nerve after a nightmare start for Bassett.

Bassett went first, but Oatley failed to convert before Tom Pitt got Supermarine off the mark.

Toby Parker, on as a second half substitute, then also missed to put Bassett in a hole that was deepened when Jason Harris made it 2-0 to Supermarine.

Louis Spalding finally got Bassett off the mark in the shootout, and there was a lifeline when Billy Duke missed Supermarine's third spot kick.

Brooklyn Leipus then pulled the visitors level, but Juan Saloutsis also scored to keep Supermarine's noses in front.

His goal also meant Bassett had to score their final penalty. However, Kian McNally became the third Bassett player to miss, sending Supermarine through.

Despite losing, Bassett can console themselves with the fact they remain alive in both the Hellenic League Challenge Cup - where they have a favourable home draw against Division One Sharpness - and Wiltshire Premier Shield - where Bassett will welcome Swindon Town later this month.

They also avoid a lengthy midweek trip to Worcestershire to face Pershore Town - which is the reward for Supermarine for their victory.

Bassett's focus does still remain the league with the goal to improve upon their position in the table and move towards safety. But their presence in those two cups offers a pleasant distraction as Jonny Aitkenhead's side approach the second half of the season.

It would certainly have been great to still be fighting on three knockout fronts, but two out of three isn't bad.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 11th November 2026 at 22:01