Royal Wootton Bassett Town will host Didcot Town in the Emirates FA Cup preliminary round at the Sustain Stadium on Saturday 17 August (3pm kick off). Admission will be £8 for adults and £5 for concessions. In the event of a draw, a replay will take place at Didcot's Loop Meadow Stadium on Tuesday 20 August, 7.45pm kick off. We look forward to welcoming Didcot's players, staff and supporters for what promises to be a fascinating tie with upset potential. A win for Bassett will see them teach the first qualifying round for the first time since beating Didcot 2-1 at the same stage back in 2020-21 courtesy of a Sam Ockwell brace. That year Sam Collier's team would go on to advance to the second qualifying round for only the second time in club history where Bassett lost narrowly to then-National League South side Oxford City. Like last time they met, Bassett will have to be fully at their best to have any prospect of advancing, with Didcot one of the teams fancied to do well in Southern League Division One South having been relegated from step three last season. Didcot will be visiting Bassett for the first time since back in January 2005 when they triumphed 5-0 in a Hellenic League Premier Division fixture at Rylands Way. Bassett's last home win against Didcot was in October 2001 when, under the guidance of Pete Yeardley, Bassett triumphed 4-2. Current Development team manager Mark Simpkins was on the scoresheet for Bassett that night, as was Stuart Lamont - who netted twice - and Garth Walsh. Here's hoping for a similar outcome this time. All support is greatly appreciated - and we look forward to seeing you there!
