History maker and flying Finn deliver Cup revenge

Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 2 August 2024

A historic Jack Hobson-McVeigh goal and Finn Hopkins winner helped Royal Wootton Bassett Town on their way to exacting Emirates FA Cup revenge over Mangotsfield United as Sam Collier's side prevailed 2-1 in their extra preliminary round encounter.

Against a Mangotsfield side who knocked Bassett out at the same stage last season, it was always set to be a tough contest. And that proved to be the case with both sides enjoying chances in an entertaining contest where any outcome seemed possible.

In the end though, Bassett's quick start and young starlet Finn Hopkins' bundled second half winner saw the hosts prevail and book a preliminary round date with Southern League Didcot Town.

Bassett's evening began in perfect - and history-making - fashion.

In the ninth minute strong pressing forced Mangotsfield to concede possession deep in their own territory. And Hopkins squared to Hobson-McVeigh, who from the left edge of the penalty arc teased a curling first time shot past an outstretched Ellis Parker into the bottom right corner.

Coming so early, the goal represented the joint-opening goal of this year's competition, with Great Yarmouth Town's Louie Duffield registering in the same minute of their Friday night tie against Kirkley and Pakefield.

Given the FA Cup had never started as early as 2 August, the pair also now have the distinction of netting the earliest goal in a season in the competition's history.

Yet, while an impressive and distinct piece of history to possess, Bassett's sole aim at the start of the evening was to progress and banish the disappointment of last season's loss to the Mangos.

Eventually Bassett got there, having to work hard for their win.

In a relatively even opening half, the visitors pulled level ten minutes before the break. Michael Barry broke forward down the left and Chris Taylor clumsily felled the winger in the area. It was a nailed on penalty, which Will Ashton coolly swept into the bottom left corner, past Sam Jepson who guessed correctly.

Bassett did have a great opportunity to restore their advantage before the interval. Hopkins rounded Parker and looked odds on to score. However, he was unable to get his shot off before the angle became too acute and placed inches wide of the post.

Shortly after the restart though, player of the match Hopkins got the goal his performance merited.

Mangotsfield had only just come close at the other end as James White's teasing free kick was headed narrowly wide of the right post.

Play quickly switched to the other end though and, in the 52nd minute, strong play from Alfie Presley saw him shrug off the attentions of Parsons - who had come off his line - and Aaron Parsons. He then squared across goal and Hopkins was on hand at the left post to scramble the ball across the line.

There was still plenty of time left to play and Mangotsfield did all they could to get on terms. And there was to be late drama as the visitors struck the bar deep into stoppage time.

Fortune was thus on Bassett's side to prevent a replay.

After a disappointing opening to their league campaign, Collier and his team are now properly up and running in the new season.