FA Vase first round draw: Bassett to welcome Villa

Royal Wootton Bassett Town have been handed a home tie against Devon-based Elburton Villa in the Isuzu FA Vase first round, with the game scheduled to take place on Saturday 21 October. Having reached the third round of the FA Vase for a second season in a row, Bassett again earned an exemption that will see them enter this year's competition at the first round proper stage. And after reaching at least the second round in three consecutive years, the aim will once more be to advance at least a couple of times, with Collier keen to break the club record he and his team set and then equalled. The past two years have seen Bassett exit with narrow defeats at the hands of teams who went on to reach the semi finals (Hamworthy United and Corsham Town). Having stood toe to toe with those teams, albeit coming up just short, hopefully this is the year that Bassett can remain in the competition into the new year. However, first they will have to navigate their way past a step six side aiming to knock out step five opponents for a second round in a row. The South West Peninsula League Premier East outfit triumphed 7-6 on penalties away against Western League Premier Division opponents Ilfracombe Town after their tie finished 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. That followed a 3-2 first qualifying round win at home against Newton Abbot Spurs. Their tenth participation in the Vase, Villa enjoyed their best run last season when they reached the second round. This year represents only the third time Villa have advanced beyond the qualifying rounds and they will now be playing Hellenic League opponents for the first time ever. In contrast Bassett will be facing South West Peninsula League opponents for the fifth time - and for the fourth straight season in the Vase. After losing 2-0 at home to St Blazey in their inaugural participation (2001-02, first round), Bassett have seen off Camelford (4-0, 2020-21, first round) and Torpoint Athletic (2-0, 2021-22, second round) before winning 5-3 away at Bridport (2022-23, first round). Sam Collier and his side will therefore be looking to extend that winning streak. Regardless of the outcome though, the game promises to be a great occasion as new opponents face each other - always one of the best things about participating in the FA Vase.