Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 3 March 2024

Royal Wootton Bassett Town advanced to the quarter finals of the South West Regional Women's Football League Divisional Cup, triumphing 4-2 penalties after they could not be separated from Eastern Division rivals Bath City.

The result means that, at the third time of asking, Bassett have finally beaten Bath this season after a defeat away and draw at home in their two league encounters.

The teams again produced a closely fought, entertaining encounter that could have gone either way.

Bassett were forced to soak up Bath pressure in the first half with Emily Dellow the first to come close when she got on the end of a corner but Millie Powell was equal to her effort.

After a series of half chances, Bath took the lead midway through the period. Powell's attempted clearance was seized upon by Dellow and she fed Erin Duffy whose long range strike had the beating of Powell.

The second half started with good build up play involving Duffy and Libby Goater creating an opening for Tara Taylor who struck narrowly over.

But Bassett soon started to grow into the game, Emma Sykes having the team's first real opportunity as her shot was cleared away.

The hosts then levelled shortly after the hour. Laura Jefferies' delivery from a corner was short of her usual standards. Fortunately though Bath were only able to clear as far as her and the Bassett captain was able to draw a foul. Putting in a much better ball from the free kick, Libby Davies got on the end of her ball into the box and headed home.

With neither team able to source a winner in the remaining time, that meant penalties.

With neither team able to source a winner, that meant penalties.

Hannah Gulliver and Libby Goater began the shootout by converting their penalties. The second round of spot kicks then saw Bassett take a crucial early advantage as Davies scored before Tara Taylor hit wide.

Bath had the opportunity to get back on terms immediately though after Elliott went for power over placement and saw her effort kept out by Farley. However, Powell saved from Emily Dellow to keep Bassett in front.

Emma Sykes and Erin Duffy found the net in the fourth round of kicks. And that gave Natalie Goodright the chance to settle the tie, and she made no mistake to book her team a place in the last eight.

Bassett now await either fellow Eastern Division side Stockwood Wanderers or Western Division title favourites Ilminster Town in the quarter finals, with that tie due to take place at the Sustain Stadium later this month.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd March 2024 at 20:16