Weekend preview: Bassett up for the Women’s FA Cup

Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Women's First Team open up their 2024-25 campaign on Sunday in national cup action as Adam Wood's travel to Herefordshire to take on Ross Juniors in the Adobe Women's FA Cup first qualifying round (2pm kick off). The past two seasons have seen Bassett reach the third - and final - qualifying round. The aim this year will be to repeat that feat, and hopefully go a round further. Achieving that will be no mean feat though, with a tough game against new opponents expected on Sunday. Ross may have only formed a couple of seasons ago, but they have enjoyed success, reaching the Herefordshire County Cup final in 2022-23 before finishing as unbeaten champions of the Herefordshire FA Women's League last season. The Mid West Counties Women's League Division One (tier seven) side will be making their Women's FA Cup debut this season too - and will be out to cause an upset against their higher level visitors. The winners will progress to host tier five Ilminster Town in the second qualifying round on Sunday 22 September. Prior to that, on Saturday the Development team entertain newcomers Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the Wiltshire League Premier Division (Sustain Stadium, 3pm kick off). Mark Simpkins' team face another tough test as they square off against last season's Hampshire Combination champions. Admission is £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.