Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 7 April 2024

Royal Wootton Bassett Town's hopes of ending their season with cup success were dashed as Adam Wood's side exited the South West Regional Women's Football League Divisional Cup following a 4-3 defeat in a quarter final thriller against Ilminster Town.

With runners-up in the Eastern Division already secured, Bassett were aiming for a deep run in the League Cup. However they were left to rue the fact they squandered a two goal lead against Western Division high-flyers Ilminster, who - after falling behind - scored four times before Libby Davies made the final stages interesting.

It was certainly an entertaining match for the neutral - though very frustrating in the end for the hosts.

Bassett drew first blood when Davies found Hannah Gulliver who beat defender Matilda Wallbridge before slotting past Ilminster 'keeper Charlotte Johnson.

Fine goalkeeping and the woodwork then ensured it remained just the one goal as Johnson tipped away a Gulliver effort that appeared headed for the top corner before, at the other end, the dangerous Jodi Cornwall struck the bar and then saw a free kick tipped around the post by Millie Powell.

Eventually though Bassett doubled their advantage. And Gulliver returned the favour to Davies. Her through ball fed Davies, who outmuscled Georgia Mann before firing into the net.

That goal put Bassett in a commanding position. However, two goals in quick succession got Ilminster back on terms.

A soft foul led to the first as Cornwall steered the resulting free kick beyond Powell.

Moments later Ilminster were level. A lapse in concentration saw Bassett concede possession before the visitors earned a corner. The resulting set piece was then played short and Steph Beck found the net from the edge of the box.

Bassett did have chances either side of the interval to restore their lead, but Natalie Goodright could only find the side netting from a tight angle while Emma Sykes struck just wide following build up play involving Davies and Briony Hurd.

But it was Ilminster who were to go ahead for the first time on the afternoon when Ellie Orritt was quickest to react to a Cornwall effort that came back out off the bar.

Bassett were living dangerously as Cornwall again came close before Powell saved well from Abi Meyer.

Having survived those scares, the hosts then thought they had equalised when Gulliver played in Davies but the forward's shot rattled the post.

That moment would prove decisive as Bassett failed to clear from a throw and Harrie Kelly pounced to extend Ilminster's advantage.

Davies would reduce arrears, producing a fine solo goal as she beat two defenders before getting the better of Johnson.

But an equaliser was not forthcoming, with the closest Bassett came to getting a fourth being a Davies free kick that sailed over.

Bassett were this unable to extend their season further - and they now know that their 2023-24 campaign will end at the end of April when they finish their league season at home against Shaftesbury.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 7th April 2024 at 19:19