Way tenure gets off to dream derby start

New manager Darren Way got his tenure off to a dream start this afternoon as City beat local rivals Chippenham Town 3-0 at Hardenhuish Park. Scott Wilson netted twice – the first goal his 50th for the club – either side of a debut strike for loan striker Brad Ash to make it a perfect Boxing Day for the Romans.

The home side shaded the opening exchanges but it was City who broke the deadlock on 21 minutes. Jordan Tillson and Tom Mehew tangled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Wilson stepped up to beat ex-City keeper Henry to make it a half century of goals for the club. Playing down the considerable Hardenhuish Park slope City looked to press home this advantage, but the closest they came saw Jordan Alves curl a 35th minute shot narrowly wide.

However, five minutes after the restart they doubled their lead. Alves saw his initial shot well saved by Henry but Ash was first to the rebound to fire home. And seven minutes later it got even better for City when Alves set up Wilson to cut back, leaving Haines and Poffley on the floor, and roll the ball past Henry. Chippenham almost responded immediately but Harvey Wiles-Richards produced an excellent bloke from Bradbury. The Bluebirds continued to look for a way back into the game but City stood firm to end 2024 on a high.