Parsons puts Bassett to the sword

Royal Wootton Bassett Town were eliminated from the Wiltshire Senior Cup as Highworth Town recorded a 5-2 victory in a dramatic quarter final tie, which saw Callum Parsons score all five of the Worthians' goals.

Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 13th December 2017

A stunning five goal haul from Callum Parsons put paid to Royal Wootton Bassett Town's hopes of reaching a first Wiltshire Senior Cup semi final since the 2008-09 campaign as Highworth Town triumphed 5-2 in an eventful last eight meeting.

Bassett had taken the game to their visitors in the opening period, twice taking the lead, while they also created a string of decent chances in the second period.

Yet it was Parsons' killer instinct in front of goal that proved the difference between the teams as he netted three times from open play before adding to his tally with a pair of late penalties.

Gio Wrona had given the home side an early fifth minute lead, only for Parsons to cancel that out two minutes later.

Lewis Waldon then notched for Bassett midway through the period, with Parsons replying on the half hour mark.

The game was therefore finely poised at the break. Rich Hunter's team had been playing some good football, but had conceded two arguably cheap goals.

With the firepower possessed by Highworth, that was always going to be a potential issue.

Parsons duly completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart, and, trailing for the first time, the game was now Bassett's to chase.

While they did have opportunities, the need to push on made them vulnerable at the back, which Highworth were able to take advantage of.

And twice in the last ten minutes, they were awarded penalties, both of which Parsons despatched to make the final score even more emphatic.

The result means Bassett are now left fighting on two fronts if they are to seal some silverware this season. They'll meet Highworth again in the Floodlit Cup, while face an equally tough encounter with Wantage Town in the Challenge Cup.