Royal Wootton Bassett Town exited the Women's FA Cup at third qualifying round stage for a fifth season in a row after a ruthless attacking display from tier four Bridgwater United.

The Robins, who have lost just one game all season after making a flying start to their FA Women's National League Division One South West campaign, ran out 10-0 winners as they demonstrated their quality.

In fairness, Bassett's hopes of advancing to the first round proper were dealt a significant blow when the draw - probably the toughest they could receive - was made.

Still, they travelled to Somerset in hope. But the Robins put paid to that early on.

Meg Jarvis finished twice from Ellie Strippel through balls in the opening six minutes before Rosie Hill set up Abbey Hateley for Bridgwater's third with just nine minutes on the clock.

A Strippel volley followed before Hateley grabbed her second. It was then 6-0 midway through the opening period courtesy of a Strippel free kick into the top left corner.

Bassett, to their credit, held out for the remainder of the half and for most of the second period.

However, Bridgwater extended their advantage with twenty minutes to go when Jarvis scored from the spot for her hat trick.

Jarvis then got the final touch to guide in a low Erin Williams cross.

Williams teed up Manfy Sharpe for number nine with just under quarter of an hour remaining before Jarvis slotted in her fifth and her side's tenth.

It was a heavy defeat for Bassett - though the result did more to expose the difference in level between the top of tier four of the women's game and tier five. Bassett certainly aren't the first side - nor will they be the last - to be humbled by a Bridgwater team that are on the up.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 4th October 2026 at 18:26