Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 5 April 2022

Royal Wootton Bassett Town's hopes of extending their season beyond their final two league games over the Easter weekend were ended as Bradford Town claimed a 4-2 victory in the teams' Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup third round contest.

Despite having to play the majority of the match with ten men, Bradford's attacking prowess proved too much for Sam Collier's side.

After falling 2-0 down inside twenty minutes, Bassett appeared as though they would be in for a long night. To their credit, however, Bassett fought their way back into the game. And, aided by their visitors' knack for getting on the wrong side of referee Simeon Stoodley, were not far off forcing penalties.

Ultimately though, Bradford prevailed, advancing to the quarter finals where they will face Tuffley Rovers.

The visitors were in front as early as the seventh minute with Harvey Baker heading in off the bar from a corner, although teammate George Box was adamant the goal was actually his, the forward making certain the ball had indeed crossed the line when there was still some uncertainty.

It didn't take long for Box to claim a goal that was unquestionably his, however, as he tapped in after a free kick from the deep was headed back across goal.

Having not had much of a sniff, Bassett were then able to halve their deficit twelve minutes before the break. Good build up play down the right saw the ball eventually worked to John Mills who picked out the bottom corner.

And Bassett's hopes of getting back on level terms were then enhanced further when William Taylor received his marching orders for a heavy challenge.

But the numerical disadvantage Bradford faced seemed not to fade them. And, after weathering some early second half pressure, the Bobcats restored their two goal lead on 68 minutes.

After snatching away possession, Box broke forward before squaring to Charlie Walton. Eddie Cavanagh did well to parry his shot, but the loose ball fell to Box who fired home another goal.

There was still time for further twists and turns to come. And with ten minutes remaining Walton felled Alan Griffin off the ball to earn Bassett a penalty from which Mills made no mistake.

It was game on again and Bassett duly ramped up the pressure. They were unable to find a breakthrough though.

Instead, the visitors put the game to bed. Seizing on another turnover in possession, Bradford broke decisively, with their counter attack being finished off by Baker.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 6th April 2022 at 06:06