A STEVE Robertson hat-trick inside 43 minutes secured Royal Wootton Bassett a place in the second round of the Perpetua Press (UHL) Floodlit Cup.

Robertson, a Cinder Lane regular last season in his role as Swindon Town Ladies' manager, proved to be the difference between the sides with clinical finishing to end Fairford's interest in the competition.

Fairford manager Gareth Davies went into the game without a trio of first team regulars, with defender James Townsend and midfielders Sam Mepham and Jason Milhench all ruled out through suspension.

The sides had not met since the Division One West league meeting at the old Gerard Buxton Sports Ground in October, an encounter that saw the home side run out 2-1 winners.

The home side, managed by former Fairford manager Paul Braithwaite, took the lead with ten minutes played with Robertson was on hand to pole home from close range after a deep free-kick into the box was not cleared.

Captain Matt Boucher went through five minutes later but hesitated with the hosts able to clear their lanes. Robertson grabbed his second of the game shortly before the break - with his downward header beating former Bassett stopper Ben Mitchell and the offside trap.

Robertson secured the matchball before the break with a fizzing low drive that put his side into a comfortable lead.

Fairford responded quickly after the break with Lee Smith's free-kick firing past Callum Meare. Substitute Dan Bond went close late on but Meare did well to tip his over the bar to secure a safe passage into the next stage of the competition.

Bassett's reward is a midweek trip to Tytherington Rocks in the second round stage.

Fairford Town Football Club

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