Paul Sellick Brickwork Stadium, 5 August 2023
For the first time in four years, Royal Wootton Bassett Town exited the Emirates FA Cup at the extra preliminary round stage following a 2-0 defeat in a closely fought tie away against Mangotsfield United.
A first half penalty and stoppage time sucker-punch were enough for Mangotsfield to book their place in the preliminary round as, despite a positive performance, Sam Collier's side were unable to make any kind of breakthrough.
It was just the final, crucial end product that the visitors were missing. For large parts of the game Bassett were the better team, but the inability to put away their chances proved costly.
Indeed there was a portent of what was to come after just two minutes when Tom Moore broke through in behind the home defence only to be denied by Mangotsfield custodian Nick Croucher.
The game settled into an even contest, but the hosts were able to land the first blow midway through the opening half after Harry Walters was adjudged to have brought down left winger Isaac Flynn.
It seemed a soft, harsh penalty award, though Walters later admitted it was a definite foul. Either way, Mangotsfield were not complaining and Jadyn Crosbie just about managed to squeeze his spot kick beneath debutant 'keeper Harry Pickering to open the scoring.
It was then close to being 2-0 shortly before half time but Pickering kept out Owen Ridler's effort.
Bassett again had the opening chance of the second half. An almost carbon copy of his earlier opportunity, Moore was able to get in behind the Mangotsfield defence as he latched onto a great through ball but could not find a way past Croucher.
At the other end, Dave Bampton's late, assured challenge was enough to knock Crosbie off his stride and prevent a potential second for the hosts.
Midway through the half substitute Alan Griffin then headed narrowly over from a Louis Spalding cross.
By now Bassett were pushing forward for an equaliser, leaving space for Mangotsfield to threaten on the break and Marcus Kelly almost was able to capitalise from a counter but fired wide.
Kelly went one better in injury time though, steering in a rebound after Pickering had initially made a decent save.
It's therefore Mangotsfield who will go onto visit either Ardley United or Ascot United who drew their tie.
For Bassett it will be an even longer wait to get their league campaign started after Roman Glass St George's contest at Lydney Town ended all square. Bassett's league opener will now be Saturday 12 August at home against Slimbridge.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 5th August 2023 at 21:00
