Chippenham chairman Lyus considers major investment in City (30/8/01)
Chippenham chairman Malcolm Lyus has revealed that he has held talks with City supremeo Steve Hall with a view to investing in the club. Lyus and his vice-chairman Les Weir met Hall following an approach from the City chairman and has admitted that, “there is a realistic chance that I will put my money into Bath City.” The deal, that could see Lyus plough over £500,000 into City appears to rest on whether the Wiltshire based club obtain permission to build a new £300,000 clubhouse at their Hardenhuish Park ground. Under the Chippenham based businessman, who has been chairman for 5 years, the club has gone from a struggling Western League outfit, watched by crowds of less than 100, to a Dr Martens League side with crowds regularly topping 500, taking in an FA Vase Wembley appearance in the process.
Foster and Wyatt end goal drought but City take a hammering (27/8/01)
After two successive goalless draws the goals came thick and fast at Twerton Park this afternoon but, unfortunately, five ended up in Mark Hervin’s net as Havant & Waterlooville ran out 5-2 winners. The visitors took the lead in the opening minute, Taylor heading home a corner and then doubled their lead shortly after the interval when O’Rouke fired past Hervin. The third came from the penalty spot after a handball by Towler, Hambley sending Hervin the wrong way. It was soon four when Taylor turned home a free kick. With the game well beyond them City finally roused themselves and Adrian Foster became the first City player to score this season, blasting home from close range despite looking offside and appearing to handle the ball. Hambley then scored the fifth with a second successful spot kick after Gosling upended Anstey. Havant then had Daish sent off after an altercation with Milsom, before Wyatt grabbed City’s second goal with the last kick off the game.
Moor luck in front of goal needed as City draw blank again (25/8/01)
For the second time in a week City failed to turn a good performance into goals as they drew 0-0 with Moor Green, and now have just a single own goal to show for 270 minutes football this season. As at Weymouth on Tuesday they looked solid at the back, creative in midfield but, in front of goal, they lacked the killer touch or that bit of luck that would have broken their duck. The closest they came was when Mike Wyatt charged down a clearance, only for the ball to roll agonisingly inches wide, in the first period and great second half move that saw Jamie Mills round the keeper before a great tackle denied him a shot on the open goal. The game ended on an unsavoury note as the players were involved in a post-match scuffle that could see City’s man of the match Paul Milsom in trouble.
Limited first team chances see Vickerman make Chippenham switch (24/8/01)
Defender Lee Vickerman has made an expected move to Chippenham Town after not featuring in either of City’s opening two league games. The Dr Martens Western League side made an approach for the 21 year old after it became clear, with the arrival of Gary Kemp, his first team opportunities were going to be limited and his absense from Alan Pridham’s first two squads of the season confirmed this fact. The former Cheltenham man made 58 appearance in his three years at Twerton Park, scoring two goals during this time.
Weymouth see red as battling City earn away stalemate (21/8/01)
City made it two draws out of two as they fought out a goalless stalemate with Weymouth at the Wessex Stadium tonight. It was another promising performance that just lacked the cutting edge up front that would have given them the three points. The first half was almost all City as Gosling, Crandon and Milsom tested the home keeper and, although the home side came more into the game in the second period, another solid defensive showing kept them at bay. And City looked to have earned a great chance to win the game ten minutes from time when Zabek was felled in the Weymouth box but, to the stunned disbelief of City’s large following, the referee saw nothing wrong with the challenge, although he did send a Weymouth player off shortly afterwards for dissent.
Pridham completes final piece of jigsaw with Foster signature (20/8/01)
City boss Alan Pridham has made the final addition to his squad with the signature of former Yeovil Town and Rushden & Diamonds striker Adrian Foster. The 30-year old, who also has league experience with West Bromwich Albion, was released by Forest Green Rovers in the summer following a season plagued by ankle problems. A slight achilles problem means the striker will not feature in tomorrow nights clash at Weymouth but he should be in contention for Saturday’s trip to Moor Green.
Stoppage time equaliser denies Pridham dream start (18/8/01)
A Chelmsford goal three minutes into stoppage time prevented City opening the season with a win, denying new boss Alan Pridham a dream start in the process. In truth, a draw was probably a fair result but it was still a blow when the visitors substitute turned a cross past Hervin from close range. City had lead following an own goal around the hour mark from an excellent Thomas cross but in the end it wasn’t quite enough. Prior to this City had shown many positive signs, with Gary Thorne, in particular, having an outstanding game at the back.
And City have signed former Yeovil Town striker Adrian Foster. More details to follow when available.
Wyatt makes surprise return to City on eve of new season (18/8/01)
Alan Pridham has brought another old boy back to Twerton Park but, for once, it’s not one with Clevedon Town connections. The latest returnee is Mike Wyatt following his release from Worcester City. The 26-year old left City in the summer of 1998, heading to Gloucester City before switching to Worcester City a year later, following the arrival of new boss Paul Bodin, after two years at the club where he made 96 appearances and scored 11 goals.
Also joining the continuing influx of players is ex-Newport County defender Gary Kemp. Following his appearance in the last three of City pre-season friendlies Kemp has completed a one-year deal.
Lee Vickerman may be leaving the club after Dr Martens League newcomers Chippenham Town put in a seven day approach for him. The right sided defender featured in City’s early friendlies but with the arrival of Gary Kemp may see his first team chances limited.
Tisdale handed professional chance with Queens Park Rangers (18/8/01)
Ex-City centre back Peter Tisdale has made a surprise move into the professional game with Queens Park Rangers. After his release during the summer it was thought the 21-year old would join up with brother Paul Tisdale at Team Bath, before heading to London for a corporate Banking job in 2002. However following a trial at the 2nd Division club he has signed on a non-contract deal. Tisdale, who was voted City’s most improved player last season, has already turned out for the cash-strapped sides second string and will look to make a move to the first team during the forthcoming year.
City old boys triumphant as pre-season program ends with defeat (12/8/01)
City’s pre-season campaign came to a disappointing conclusion as they were beaten by two goals to nil by a Mangotsfield United side featuring former City players Nicky Brooks and Dave Elsey. It was a strangly lacklustre performance by City after their impressive previous outings and despite creating a number of chances they never really looked like getting back in the game after a looping Seal header had put them behind on 37 minutes. The home sides second goal came midway through the second period from a Claridge header. Milsom and Allison both had great chances to reply for City and Crandon forced a smart save out of keeper Thompson but the final score was a fair reflection on the game.
Despite failing to add to his seven pre-season goals the game saw striker Sam Allison restored to the side after he finally signed a new one-year contract after stalling on the deal for nearly a week.
Bluebirds too strong but new look City impress again (7/8/01)
City lost their penultimate friendly match 2-0 to 2nd Division Cardiff City at Twerton Park last night but it was another strong performance with the new season less than two weeks away. Keeper Mark Hervin produced a number of excellent saves and striker Graham MacLean continued his form from Saturday until a head injury forced him off after 40 minutes. Gary Thorne, Gary Powell and Paul Milsom all went close but two goals from Grayson in either half gave the Bluebirds their success.
Before the game ex-Swindon midfielder Jamie Mills signed a one-year contract, however on-form Sam Allison has been given a 24 hour deadline to put pen to paper after he received an anonymous phone call advising him that several other clubs may be interested in his services.
MacLean opens pre-season account to see off not-so Super Marine (5/8/01)
Two goals from Graham MacLean, his first strikes of City’s pre-season campaign, plus strikes from Jamie Mills and Jamie Crandon helped City to a 4-1 victory over Swindon Supermarine yesterday. The two MacLean strikes came in the closing ten minutes and capped another impressive City performance as they overcame the Dr Martens League newcomers in difficult conditions, as heavy rain and thunderstorms swept over Supermarine’s Hunts Copse ground. Mills headed home from Sam Allison’s cross after 15 minutes as City began the game positively but the home side came back into the game well and equalised shortly before the interval. The second half was a fairly even affair until Crandon fired home from the edge of the box on 74 minutes and MacLean capped an inproved showing with his brace. The game also saw Marco Micciche make his first pre-season appearance as a second half substitute and ex-Newport County defender Gary Kemp turn out in City colours.
Thorne & Co guarantee winning home return for Pridham (1/8/01)
City continued their build up to the forthcoming season with a 3-2 victory over Paulton Rovers at Winterfield Road last night. After dominating the early exchanges, Graham McLean coming the closest with a header against a post, City fell behind after 30 minutes. However, two goals at the beginning of the second half, a Gary Thorne header and Jamie Gosling penalty, put them ahead before Alan Pridham’s former team equalised with a well taken shot on 56 minutes. The winning goal came just after the hour mark when Sam Allison fired home from close range to record his seventh pre-season goal.
The recently arranged friendly against Keynsham Town scheduled for Thursday 9 August has been cancelled. City Reserves will take on Brislington at Twerton Park on that night.