League action takes a break as the magic of the F.A. Cup returns this weekend. Not only a change of competition, but a change of venue too, as Torquay United moves back to The Rec in Newton Abbott, to host Royal Wooton Bassett Town Ladies – in the third qualifying round.
United last met Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies in the 2022/23 South West Regional Women’s Premier League. Torquay won 4-0 in Wiltshire, before Emma Hunt’s solitary goal on the final day of the season, secured the title and United’s promotion to the National League.
Torquay also defeated Sunday’s visitors at the same stage of this competition during that 22/23 campaign, before eventually bowing out of the Cup at the second-round stage. Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies are now playing a division lower, but will still pose a threat to an extended United cup run, similar to that posed by Plympton Ladies in the last round.
Bassett sit fifth in the South West Regional Women’s Division One North, just 3 points off the top, with two wins, a draw, and a defeat from their opening four fixtures. They opened their season with a 3-0 win at Purton Women and followed up with a 6-0 home victory over Downend Flyers.
They reached this stage of the F.A. Cup beating Ilminster Town Ladies 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, and then came from behind to earn a league point at Paulton Rovers. Their one defeat this campaign came at division leaders, Bitton Ladies, in between those two games – where they went down 5-2. Madeline Elliot leads their scoring with five so far this season.
United seemed to come through Sunday’s 12-0 win over AFC St Austell, so should have no new injury worries. Danni Wyatt, Kayleigh Brown, Charlotte Pettinger, Lily Hilton and Scarlett Williams are gradually returning to fitness. Emma Ayres turned her ankle in training a fortnight ago and may be closer to returning, and Sasha Mole remains on the cusp of a playing return, having been named as a substitute a fortnight ago.
With a seven-strong bench allowed in the F.A. Cup but no revolving substitutions, Lee Mann will want a full 18 to call on, with another £4000 of prize money up for grabs too.
Come and cheer on the women in this vital cup clash. They value your support and your voices do make a difference! The postcode for Devon F.A. Headquarters at Coach Road is TQ12 1EJ. Admission is £5 with concessions at £3 and food and bar facilities will be available.
If you can’t get along there will be full commentary from 1.45 pm at https://tufcwomen.mixlr.com or you can follow updates on our social media channels.