Next Match – Boreham Wood (A)
Bath City open their National League South campaign at Boreham Wood this weekend.
Wood were relegated from the National League last season after nine years in the top tier of the non-league game. After three play-off finishes under Luke Garrard, and a series of stunning FA Cup runs, they surprisingly tasted relegation in April. A 0-0 draw against Ebbsfleet United wasn’t enough on the final day and thus ended Garrard’s tenure on a sour note.
His departure was announced a few weeks before the season’s conclusion. The high point of his reign was in 2022 when Wood reached the FA Cup 5th Round, eventually losing away to Everton. Ross Jenkins is his successor, he led Oxford City to the National League in 2023 before they joined Boreham Wood in the relegation spots last term.
Jenkins has drafted in five players ahead of the new campaign and they’ve gelled well in pre-season, the only loss at home to an Arsenal XI. Versatile Charlie O’Connell made a stunning impact in a 3-3 draw against a Chelsea XI, netting a hat-trick. Gus Mafuta is back on a season-long loan from Solihull Moors. Wood signed off the summer with a 2-0 win at Dartford thanks to two late goals from Charles Clayden.
They’re hosting a Bath City side who’ve also had an excellent pre-season, rounded off with a 3-1 win over Larkhall Athletic last weekend.
If Ewan Clark features he’ll make his 50th appearance for Bath City. He scored on his first in last year’s opening day thrilling 3-3 draw at Dartford, and was on target last Saturday. Goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards should begin his second stint at the club some four years after departing with Zac Smith also in line for a second debut. Five others could make their bow in Hertfordshire.
Saturday is the seventh meeting between Boreham Wood and Bath City in Conference/National League South.
Overall record (all comps): Pld 7 W4 D3 L0 F8 A3.
Bath City’s record against Boreham Wood in Conference/National League South at Meadow Park:
|
Season |
Date |
Res |
F |
A |
Att |
Scorers and minute(s) |
|
2014-15 |
30/08/2014 |
W |
2 |
1 |
201 |
Dave Pratt 45+1, Ross Stearn 53 |
|
2013-14 |
30/11/2013 |
W |
1 |
0 |
151 |
Andy Watkins 7 |
|
2012-13 |
09/02/2013 |
D |
0 |
0 |
207 |
Quirks:
- The win in August 2014 was City’s first of the season, while Boreham Wood were victorious in 11 of their next 12 at home, not losing at Meadow Park again in 2014.
- City’s three scorers at the venue all surpassed 40 goals in National League South for the club.
Last meeting in all competitions:
9 December 2023 – FA Trophy 3rd Round
Bath City 1 (Hayfield 86) Boreham Wood 0
Line-ups:
Bath City (4-4-1-1): Buse; Raynes, Dyer, Parselle, Greenslade; Thomas, Hayfield, Russe, Clark; Smith (Wilson 71); Cooke. Subs not used: Batten, Frear, Lines, Thorn.
Boreham Wood (3-4-1-2): Ashmore; Sass-Davies, Bush, Ilesanmi; Sousa, Payne, Whelan (Clarke 73), Clayden (Coxe 76); Balanta (Robinson 73); Ndlovu, Marsh. Subs not used: Stephens, Sagaf, Abayomi.
Referee: Aaron Jackson
Star man: Jordan Dyer
Attendance: 655
Dan Hayfield steered Bath City into the fourth round of the FA Trophy at the expense of National League Boreham Wood. The Romans midfielder notched his fourth of the season to earn a place in the last 32. Jerry Gill’s side deserved the win as their second half dominance finally paid off. It was only the second time in 17 games in all competitions that Boreham Wood failed to score. With such solidarity it relied on one chance being converted at the other end, and it eventually arrived in the 86th minute. Dan Greenslade made space on the left and sent a crossfield ball to Cody Cooke inside the penalty area. The striker leapt high enough to nod it back towards the arriving Hayfield, who stole in to cleverly stroke past Nathan Ashmore from six yards and send City through.
Ticket information cab be found here.
Away travel:
There will be a supporters’ coach running to this game. You can book online here, departure times and information included, or by contacting Cheryl Bradley.
Further information about Saturday’s venue can be found here.
City will be playing in their new blue away kit.
If you’re unable to attend, you can obtain updates via:
X – @BathCity_FC
Bath City Radio – Bath City Radio
