ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town Ladies’ hopes of retaining their Wiltshire County Women’s Cup title remain alive after they defeated Melksham 13-0 at home in the competition’s quarter-final stage on Sunday.

Seven different scorers found the net as Bassett cruised to victory against their opponents who ply their trade in the Wiltshire County League – two divisions below the South West Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division.

Grace Eagles gave the hosts an early fourth-minute lead, firing past Tory Swinney from range after Melksham were unable to fully clear from a Laura Jefferies corner.

Hayley Huckin beat the offside trap before rounding Swinney and tapping in to make it two before scoring an almost carbon copy 10 minutes later to further extend Bassett’s advantage.

Hannah Gulliver then got in on the act with a long-distance strike - two further goals arrived before the break.

After receiving an Eagles cross, Lily Withers was afforded too much time in the box and comfortably slotted home before Huckin crossed for an unmarked Aly Lyons to steer into the net.

Comfortably ahead, Bassett rung the changes at the break. That did not slow them down after the restart, though.

On 52 minutes, Rosie Kirk strode forward before squaring to Lyons, whose shot was parried. However, Gulliver was on hand to put away the rebound.

A minute later, Sophie Smith raced onto Amber Egerton’s through ball and beat Swinney from distance.

Lyons then scored a third goal in the space of five minutes, tapping in after a Smith shot came back off the bar. The 10th arrived on the hour mark as Smith got her second from outside the box.

A simple finish from Beth Kelloway made it 11 with 20 minutes to go as she finished off a move from Smith’s unselfish pass.

Eagles made it a dozen after shrugging off the attentions of a defender during a run towards goal.

The rout was then completed as Smith, one of the half-time substitutes, sealed her hat trick, guiding home a Gulliver cross.

Elsewhere in the Wiltshire County Cup, Swindon Town Women beat Salisbury FC Women 17-0.