Next Match – Chelmsford City (H)
It’s an all-city affair this Saturday as the high-flying Romans take on the Clarets of Chelmsford.
The Essex side might not be too deterred by a 320-mile round trip this weekend. Chelmsford have accrued a league high two points per game on the road so far this season and have only lost one away game in National League South from their nine played, that at Torquay United in September.
Their issue has been at home, where they’re winless in seven in the league. Two wins in 11 at the Melbourne Stadium with only 11 scored has kept them a point outside the play-offs. They finished fifth last season but lost their Eliminator to St Albans with former forward Shaun Jeffers netting the winner. That was their eighth play-off failure at this level and first since 2019. It was still a marked improvement on 2021/22 where they finished 19th in Robbie Simpson’s first full season in charge.
Chelmsford recorded the double over City then and have won their last two matches at Twerton Park. Last year’s success was via a Harry Lodovica second half strike. Jerry Gill’s side gained revenge in the return contest last February – Scott Wilson netted the first of his 25 league goals so far this year with Tom Smith rubber-stamping the win soon after coming on as a substitute. The two sides have met a hefty 95 times, Chelmsford hold the edge with 43 wins to City’s 33 with 19 draws.
Bath City should have Jack Batten available following illness. Jordan Thomas and Dan Greenslade missed Tuesday’s win over Frome through minor knocks and Gill expected both to be fit. Smith returns from his county cup ban and Oscar Thorn could make a home debut in the league. Will Buse will be back between the sticks. The Romans are unbeaten in six in all competitions, they’ve also only suffered two home defeats this term.
Tickets are available here with discounts before 23.45 on Friday.
