A Megan Young brace sent Royal Wootton Bassett Town through to the third - and final - qualifying round of the Women's FA Cup for the fifth consecutive season as Bassett edged out Gloucester City 2-1 in an all-South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division tie.

Two opportunistic goals helped deliver victory for Bassett in another closely fought contest against Gloucester.

The first shot on goal of the game brought the first goal. Receiving possession on the left inside her own half, Hannah Gulliver played a ball into the channel that Georgi Slanina-Wertz seemed destined to intercept. But a poor touch from the visiting defender gifted Young the ball and, after racing through on goal, she squeezed a shot beyond Evie Smith at the near post.

Gloucester then had the better of the chances for the rest of the half. Cerys Jones hit the side netting after being played in by Amelie Birchley. Jones then saw a cross squirm beneath her feet when well placed in front of goal. Later in the half Angel Wyatt struck narrowly over as Bassett only half cleared from a corner.

They should have levelled after catching Bassett napping when trying to play out from the back but Jones' square pass was somehow placed into the side netting by Holly Myatt. Jones then fired on the turn from twelve yards out but shot straight at Millie Powell.

Gloucester levelled though four minutes after the restart.

They started the half brightly with Hannah Dix steering narrowly wide after a corner fell to her while Jones guided just over with a first time strike from the edge of the area.

Young was guilty of spurning a one-on-one opportunity when presented with just Smith to beat as she struck straight at the 'keeper.

Gloucester quickly transitioned to the other end of the pitch where they won a corner. The set piece then fell to Holly Myatt at the far post, whose quick feet took her past Honor Fraser before she coolly slotted into the net.

The visitors remained on top and could have had a penalty when Briony Hurd scythed down Jones on the edge of the area. Fortunately for Bassett the referee deemed the foul to have taken place just outside the box.

Holly Myatt's free kick was comfortably held by Powell. But the Gloucester forward soon had the Bassett 'keeper beaten only to see her curling shot came back off the bar.

But fifteen minutes from time Young popped up with what proved to be the winner for Bassett. From right full back Fraser played a precise diagonal pass between two defenders and towards Young. The ball then bounced into the path of Young who, seeing Smith off her line, produced a deft first time lob that sailed into the net.

In each of the last four seasons Bassett have suffered an agonising exit at the third qualifying round stage. Now, James Lally's side will be looking to finally make club history and reach the first round proper.

Fifth time lucky? Here's hoping.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Monday 21st September 2026 at 22:47