WOOTTON Bassett Town chief Paul Braithwaite was chuffed to see his team claim the scalp of Cove in the FA Vase last weekend.

Bassett, who had been eliminated from the FA Cup and the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup in their previous two outings, can now look forward to a second qualifying round clash with league rivals Abingdon United next month after a 3-2 win in Hampshire on Saturday.

Dan Bailey’s sublime curling strike put Braithwaite’s men with just seven minutes gone and that lead was restored by Nathan Gambling after the Combined Counties League hosts had levelled matters.

In the second period, Cove struck back once again but Bassett substitute Scott Walduck pulled the ball back for Gambling to fire home the winner with 12 minutes remaining, sealing the visitors’ progress.

“(Before the weekend), Cove were second in their league and were unbeaten in 27 matches. When you think that Windsor, who were seventh, beat a good Shrivenham side pretty comfortably, that shows just how good a side they were,” said Braithwaite.

“They were a big, direct side but we were a bit younger and a bit more nimble, so we could move the ball around a bit better.

“They came back into it a few times and it was end-to-end in the second half but we got that third goal and got ourselves the result – we’re going to play Abingdon United from our league in the next round and it’s going to be at home too.

“I think the boys just need to believe in themselves a bit more and realise what they can achieve when they do that.”

On Wednesday night, Braithwaite’s Bassett make the trip to Barrington Park to take on Shrivenham, who didn’t enjoy similar fortune as they took on Combined Counties League opposition in the first qualifying round of the Vase on Saturday.

Sam Collier’s side were beaten 3-0 at Windsor, with Lewis Leonetti putting the home side ahead after just four minutes before Kyle Lucas and Jamie Di Guiseppe netted late on to add insult to injury.

Fairford Town’s interest in the Vase came to an end as they were beaten 2-1 by Reading Town at Cinder Lane.

Callum Marshall’s spectacular effort put Gareth Davies’ men ahead but after Ryan Welland missed from the penalty spot, Josh Helmore and Carl Davies sealed Reading’s progress. 

Elsewhere, New College will take a second shot at reaching the second qualifying round on Tuesday after they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Fleet Spurs.

Max Slinn netted a brace for College whilst Jack Payne was also on target whilst Thomas Chillery, Jamil Olweny and Sam Knowles scored for the visitors as the two sides couldn’t be separated after extra time.

College will make the trip to Hampshire for their replay on Tuesday night.