Midweek preview: Bassett aim for long overdue semi final satisfaction

Royal Wootton Bassett Town aim to book their first cup final appearance in 22 long years on Thursday when Sam Collier and his side travel to Lydney Town in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup semi finals (7.45pm kick off).

Bassett's last final appearance was in the 2000-01 Wiltshire Senior Cup – a game which ended in a 2-0 victory.

However, in the 22 seasons since that triumph, Bassett have struggled to reach a semi. And on the occasions that they have, their cup runs have climaxed prematurely.

Pete Yeardley's side were beaten 5-2 over two legs in the Floodlit Cup semi final against Brackley Town in 2002-03, a 1-0 home win in the second leg being the only consolation to take.

Under Dave Turner, Bassett advanced to the last four of the Wiltshire Senior Cup in 2008-09 but were edged out 2-1 by Warminster Town.

In 2013-14 Bassett, managed by Jeff Roberts, lost 1-0 away at Brimscombe and Thrupp in the Hellenic League Supplementary Cup semi finals.

Then two seasons ago Sam Collier's side fell to a 2-1 loss away at Kidlington Reserves in the penultimate round of the Hellenic League Challenge Cup.

Now though, Bassett aim to end that drought with victory at Lydney.

Collier and his team – who have advanced to the last four courtesy of home wins against Shrivenham, Thornbury Town (on penalties) and Southam United – will go into the game with confidence that they can get the job done.

Indeed, Bassett won 2-1 away at Lydney in the league at the beginning of March.

But their opponents will pose a very tough test. The Severnsiders were unfortunate not to have beaten Bassett in the league when the teams met in Wiltshire in September, a late Alan Griffin goal earning the hosts a lucky point.

Lydney's run in the Challenge Cup has been an impressive one too with an away win against high-flying Malvern Town in the previous round, a 2-1 home triumph against Westfields in the last sixteen and a 3-1 victory at Kidlington Reserves back in the second round.

It promises to be a nailbiting tie, but here's hoping Bassett will prevail!

The winners will take on Hellenic League Division One side Pershore Town in the final.

Prior to that, the Development team are in Wiltshire League Premier Division action on Tuesday night.

They continue the countdown towards the end of the season with a home fixture against Blunsdon at the Sustain Stadium (7.30pm kick off).

Admission is £3 for adults and concessions and free for RWBTFC youth members.