Weston draw ends perfect start to the season (31/8/15)
City dropped their first points of the 2015-16 season this afternoon as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Weston Super Mare at Woodspring Stadium. Following Saturday’s dismantling of Havant & Waterlooville it was very much a case of ‘After the Lord Mayors Show’ as City struggled to impose themselves on the game, allowing the previous pointless Seagulls to dominate possession, although they came within six minutes of keeping the home side at bay then spurned a great chance to win the game in stoppage time. From the opening kick off Weston belied their early season problems, knocking the ball about confidently and nullifying City’s attacking threat. However, for all this control they were restricted to a handful of long range efforts on goal that never troubled Steve Phillips. And it was City who struck first six minutes before the interval when Ashley Kington’s cross-shot found the net with Nick McCootie claiming the final touch. If the City fans that made up the majority of the 720 crowd where hoping for an improved performance after the break they were to be disappointed as the Romans were forced to defend deeper and deeper. Phillips was finally called into action, twice denying Wilson, but with six minutes left Grubb’s cross reached the back post where Barnes turned it home. If any side was to go on and win the game it looked like the Seagulls but instead it was City who should have claimed all three points. Dave Pratt had already headed a Kevin Nicholson cross narrowly over before the ball dropped to him unmarked just seven yards out, but he could only slice a side-footed volley wide of the goal. In truth, this would have been a lot more than City deserved and they can still reflect on a great opening month of the season and head into September unbeaten and top of the Vanarama National League South.
Five star Romans make it six of the best (29/8/15)
City stretched their perfect start to the 2015-16 season to six games at Twerton Park this afternoon with a 5-0 demolition of Havant & Waterlooville. Having won the previous five games by a single goal this time City were clinical in front of goal to show they fully justify their five point lead at the top of the Vanarama National League South table. The first chance of the game fell to the visitors, ex-City player Swallow shooting wide when well-placed, but from the moment Dave Pratt netted at the second attempt on 12 minutes City took control. Andy Watkins had spurned one good opening but made no mistake in the 29th minute, shooting home after great work from Andy Gallinagh. Even losing Jon Davies to a hamstring injury before the break didn’t derail City, although the Hawks did enjoy a good spell of possession early in the second half. They failed to convert this into goals and on 65 minutes a trademark Pratt burst saw him hold off two defenders before firing past Young from 12 yards. Watkins then added his second and City’s fourth eight minutes later, stabbing home from close range after Havant failed to deal with a high cross. The final goal arrived 10 minutes from time when Pratt set up Frankie Artus to volley home from the edge of the box. Either side of this strike Havant had a goal disallowed for a foul on Steve Phillips and struck the inside of the post but the final scoreline did not flatter City as they served notice to the rest of the league in emphatic style.
Bank Holiday Monday sees City make their shortest trip of the season to face the other Vanarama National League South side with a 100% record Weston Super Mare. The Seagulls have lost all five of their games so far and sit rooted to the foot of the table. The game kicks off at 3pm.
Vanarama launch 4 year Bond to raise £3.4m (28/8/15)
Vanarama the UK’s largest independent commercial vehicle broker and the leading supplier of new vans to professional trades have launched a 4 year Bond. Using the world’s leading investment crowd funding platform Crowdcube www.crowdcube.com/vanarama the brand aims to raise £3.4 million to fund the next stage of their growth – investing in a significant stock of new commercial vehicles so customers can get their new van in 3 days – disrupting the longstanding industry norm of 3 weeks. The Bond offers 8% p.a paid quarterly over 4 years.
Commenting on the growth of Vanarama since it was founded in 2004; Managing Director Andy Alderson said “The commercial vehicle sector in the UK is predicted to grow by 10-12% this year alone. In 2014 our market grew by 11% whereas our sales volume grew by 56%. Our turnover in 2015 is £18 million, an increase of 76% on 2014. We’re a strong, customer focussed brand that continues to invest heavily in our internet platform so that customers can find their vehicle online, access a quote in seconds and order their new van in minutes. We invest heavily in bricks and mortar too, employing 95 people at our head office in Hemel Hempstead, with 52 field-based regional offices throughout the UK. Our Group Chairman is David Bernstein, former Chairman of The Football Association and current Chairman of Ted Baker. We’re now embarking on the next stage of our growth, aiming to do something our industry has never managed to do before; namely to deliver a new commercial vehicle to a customer within 3 working days rather than the industry standard of 3 weeks. The Vanarama Bond will help us to achieve this ambitious aim. Our customers are time pressed and their van is vital to their business. Speed of delivery is crucial. We’re meeting a real customer need and in doing so should strengthen our position at the top of the leader board.”
When investing in a business it’s always best to do your research and understand what the company does and their position in the marketplace – to find out more about the Vanarama business visit www.vanarama.co.uk/bond.
Allen and Perry to get game time with Bluebirds (27/8/15)
Midfield duo Chris Allen and Louis Perry have signed on dual registration with Southern League Premier Division leaders Chippenham Town to enable them to gain some game time.
Big weekend for BT Sport coming up (26/8/15)
There is a BIG weekend coming up for fans of The Vanarama National League as BT Sport not only start their new featured Highlights Show, they also screen their first full LIVE match of this season. Sunday August 30, BT Sport will be broadcasting their inaugural highlights show, hosted by Mark Clemmit. It will bring football fans everywhere a taste of the top of the non-league game, with action from the games played this Saturday. The programme which is available to BT Sport subscribers via BT Sport 1 goes out at 9.45pm. The show will be a precursor to the first full LIVE match of the season to be screened the following day, as BT Sports cameras will be at the World of Smile Stadium, the home of Cheltenham Town on Bank Holiday Monday with a 5.30pm kick off. Again viewable on BT Sport 1, the visitors to the Robins will be the Red Dragons from Wrexham. Two wily and experienced managers will lock horns in the shape of Gary Johnson and Gary Mills. Both clubs are holding challenging positions in the table after bright starts and this is sure to be a first class encounter between two ex Football League clubs who will be desperate to be in the mix for a return come the end of the season. It certainly is going to be a BIG weekend coming up for The Vanarama National League in partnership with BT Sport, so make sure you join us!
Give blood at Twerton Park (25/8/15)
Do something amazing and come along to Twerton Park to give blood. The club hosts regular donation sessions in Charlie’s and Randall’s and the next two take place during the first week of September.
Monday 7th September – 9.30-12.00 and 14.00-15.40 (16 appointments available)
Blood is needed every day of the year for treating a variety of illnesses and conditions, as well as accidents and emergencies. Even for some whose illness has no cure, a blood transfusion can help to improve the quality of their life. Most people in good health between the age of 17 and 65 can become blood donors, but please do not hesitate to contact the National Blood and Transplant Service on 0300 123 23 23 if you have any queries, questions or would like to make an appointment. Alternatively type your postcode into www.blood.co.uk and all your local sessions will come up.
City’s trip to Maidenhead United has been brought forward 24 hours to (Good) Friday 25 March 2016 (ko 3pm).
Artus on the spot to extend 100% start (22/8/15)
City’s remarkable start to the 2015-16 season continued at Clarence Park this afternoon as a 1st half Frankie Artus penalty was just enough to overcome St Albans City and make it five wins out of five. Nick McCootie had already struck the bar and seen home keeper Welch deny him with a smart save before Jon Davies was pushed in the box just past the half hour mark. Artus’ spot kick had just enough power to beat Welch and, though St Albans finished the half well, the goal separated the sides at the break. The second half saw chances come and go for both teams, with Dave Pratt, Dan Ball and Ashley Kington all going close for City. On a hot afternoon City began to tire as the game reached its closing stages and they were forced to endure several nervous goalmouth scrambles in thier box as the Saints threw everything at them in search of an equaliser. However, City stood firm, in fact they twice went close to adding to the scoring in stoppage time, before the final whistle ensured their 100% record remained intact along with their place at the top of the Vanarama National League South.
City now have a welcome week off before a double header Bank Holiday weekend. Havant & Waterlooville visit Twerton Park on Saturday 29 August then City head to the coast to face Weston Super Mare two days later. Both games kick off at 3pm.
City land Forest Green’s Baldwin on loan (21/8/15)
With Luke Matthews injured and Matt Coupe unavailable, City have signed a young defender, Aden Baldwin, on a one month loan from Forest Green Rovers. Subject to confirmation from the FA and National League, Aden will be in the squad for tomorrow’s match at St Albans. This signing has been made possible by funding from the player pledge fund and the club thank those who have contributed this season.
City net top spot with late Coupe winner (18/8/15)
On his 300th start for the club, Matt Coupe headed a late winning goal against Maidenhead United to maintain City’s 100% start to the season and send them to the top of the Vanarama National League South table. With both sides coming into the meeting unbeaten the game started cagily but it was the visitors who struck first on 21 minutes when a quickly taken free-kick saw Wright’s defelcted close range shot find the net. City responded well to the setback, with Jon Davies and Ashley Kington forcing good saves from ex-Roman keeper Pentney. City’s pressure was finally rewarded three minutes before the interval when Davies was tripped in the box and Frankie Artus ended a run of four successive penalty misses by firing home via the underside of the bar. Both sides spurned good chances early in the second period but as the half progressed it was the visitors who began to look the more likely to add to the scoring. However, they failed to convert a number of promising openings, the clearest falling to ex-City striker Reid who headed over from six yards out, and on 87 minutes they were made to pay. A free-kick was only cleared back as far as Kevin Nicholson and his perfect cross had four City players lining up to convert with Coupe getting the vital touch. With Hemel Hempstead Town losing at home to Maidstone United and Ebbsfleet United’s match against Weston Super Mare being abandoned due floodlight failure the win took City to the top of the league and marked their best start to a season since 1976-77.
Reporting made easier by updated Kick It Out app (16/8/15)
Kick It Out has released the second version of its reporting app providing users with the ability to attach video, photo and audio evidence to complaints to help support investigations into discriminatory abuse and behaviour across football. The free app, of which the first version was released in July 2013, allows users to confidentially report incidents they may see, hear or witness at a match. The app was developed by makepositive, a cloud technology firm specialising in Salesforce, and covers over 95% of smartphones. The second version of the app has focused on gathering more conclusive evidence for investigations with new functionality allowing media to be attached to reports. A very significant new addition to the app is the option to report incidents of football-related hate crime on social media platforms.
This comes after Kick It Out revealed 50% of complaints it received for the 2013/14 season related to social media abuse, and research commissioned by the organisation in April 2015 also estimated an abusive post was directed at a Premier League player or club once every 2.6 minutes. The new version of the app also allows complainants to shield their identifying information from professional clubs and the football authorities by clicking the ‘remain anonymous’ button contained within the reporting form. Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs have also been included in this version. Steps have also been taken to make reporting grassroots and non-league incidents more user-friendly. Selecting grassroots and non-league comes at the very top of the reporting form and there are now less entry fields making complaints clearer and more concise.
The first release of the app built upon well-established methods of reporting, including via email and freephone, and was a huge success with 38% of all complaints from the professional game in 2013/14 coming via the app as part of an overall 269% increase in reports made to Kick It Out. The latest set of statistics from Kick It Out for the 2014/15 season shows 36% of reports registered in relation to the professional game came via the app – making it the most-used mechanism for registering complaints at that level. Usage of the app has increased by 59% between the 2013/14 season (34 complaints) and the 2014/15 campaign (54 complaints) with the reporting tool becoming one of the most prominent and well-known forms of registering a complaint.
Anna Jonsson, Reporting Officer for Kick It Out, said: “The updated version of the Kick It Out app allows complainants to provide us with a greater level of evidence to support investigations through the use of video, photos and audio. We have seen the app become one of the most prominent and popular mechanisms used to report incidents since its release in 2013, and took the decision last year to strengthen its level of functionality. We have particularly seen the use of video evidence play a key role in highlighting discriminatory behaviour and it is important we give complainants the opportunity to bring this to our attention if they have the footage recorded. With the constant advances we are seeing in technology, it is important we make sure the app reflects these developments as we look to ensure appropriate action is taken against perpetrators in as many cases as we can. The concern over escalating levels of football-related hate crime on social media platforms has been taken into account and we have developed a special form within the app which allows users to attach screenshots of the abuse. We know incidents at grassroots level go under-reported and we want the app to empower people participating at that level – building confidence is crucial and all users have the ability to remain anonymous when filing a complaint. The Women’s Super League stadiums have been incorporated too with the support of The Football Association. This does not relate to a spike in incidents within the WSL or women’s football – it’s more about providing people with the ability to report incidents if an incident does occur. The app has changed dramatically since we launched it two years ago and we will remain open-minded as to how we can further develop this reporting mechanism.”
Mark Richards, CEO of makepositive, commented: “The team at Kick It Out perform a vital role in society tackling discrimination – and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them. Technology is emerging as a key tool in accelerating societal and cultural changes and the latest version of the Kick It Out app takes advantage of the full power of the users devices to supplement the reporting process. We are very pleased with the impact the app has made so far and look forward to supporting Kick It Out in the future as they continue to address this important issue.”
The free Kick It Out app is available on iOS and Android devices. You can download the app NOW from the App Store (http://apple.co/1TtGd51) and Google Play (http://bit.ly/1JcEguj).
McCootie backs City to maintain 100% record (15/8/15)
City maintained their 100% winning start to the 2015-16 season with a 1-0 win at Whitehawk this afternoon. The decisive goal came eleven minutes into the second when Nick McCootie appeared to divert Ashley Kington’s corner into the net via his back after keeper Ross missed the ball. The first half saw the home side enjoy the greater possession but they found City in resilient form and were largely restricted to long range efforts. Only in the latter stages of the half did City threaten as Bradley Williams shot straight at Ross then Jon Davies fired into the side netting. After the goal City enjoyed their best spell of the game but the Hawks soon began to press them back. However, City continued to look dangerous on the break and one such attack saw Rose pull down McCootie to see red for a second caution. The pattern of the game changed little as Whitehawk continued to push for an equaliser but City remained resolute and went close on several occasions to adding to their advantage. In the end it took a stunning save by Steve Phillips to keep the Hawks out in stoppage time and moments later the referee’s whistle meant it was three wins out of three for the Romans.
City overcome penalty woes for win no.2 (11/8/15)
City missed two penalties but still came out on top against Basingstoke Town this evening to make it two wins out of two in this fledgling Vanarama National League South season. With six players missing through injury and suspension City were forced to name four academy players on the bench but they still struck first on 24 minutes through Kevin Nicholson’s 20-yard free-kick. The home side levelled six minutes later when Smart took full advantage of a poor clearing header by Dave Pratt to shoot past Steve Phillips. The game looked to be heading for the interval all square but two minutes into stoppage time Basingstoke gifted the ball to Nick McCootie deep in their own half and he was felled by Ray in the box. The defender escaped with just a booking but City then were equally fortunate as Ashley Kington’s spot kick was saved by Howe but he managed to turn the rebound over the line. Then just before the hour mark another piece of poor defending allowed Jon Davies to dispossess Smart and race clear on goal where Howe pulled him down to concede another penalty. Once again the referee only showed a yellow card allowing the keeper to save Kington’s weak effort. Despite this disappointment City continued to control the game and went close on several occasions to extending their advantage. As they began to tire though the Dragons twice went close to equalising, an unmarked Macklin shooting wide with three minutes left then Phillips producing a stunning double save to deny Enver-Marum and Smart in stoppage time. The final whistle meant City had won their opening two games of the season for the first time since 2005-06.
City face another tough trip on Saturday when they travel to Brighton to face another of last season’s play-off contenders, Whitehawk (ko 3pm).
U18s friendly dates at Odd Down 3G pitch (11/8/15)
City’s Under-18 have annouced two pre-season matches. They will face Brigdend Town on Wednesday 12 August (ko 1pm) and then Southampton on Friday 21 August (ko 12 noon). Both games will take place on the 3G pitch at Odd Down Playing Fields.
City open new season with hard fought win (8/8/15)
City opened their 2015-16 Vanarama National League South season with a battling 2-1 win over a physical Wealdstone side at a hot and sunny Twerton Park. The start of the game was delayed for 25 minutes due to the late arrival of the visitors but they began the brighter and twice debutant keeper Steve Phillips was called into action. However, it was City who struck first on 14 minutes when Dave Pratt got a vital touch to deflect Kevin Nicholson’s low free-kick into the net. The game was more even now with both sides creating openings before the Stones deservedly equalised in the 36th minute through Wright’s close range header. Hutchinson should have given Wealdstone the lead early in the second half after he raced clear, as City continued to struggle to impose themselves on the game. But it was the Romans who showed the greater quality in front of goal when, with 11 minutes left, Nick McCootie latched onto Matt Coupe’s long ball forward to slot it past North. Wealdstone, to their credit, kept pressing although it was City who came closest to adding to the scoring when McCootie headed over from just six yards out before the referee brought the game to an end.
City make their first away trip of the season on Tuesday evening when they face last season’s play-off semi-finalist’s Basingstoke Town (ko 7.45pm).
New home for Bath City Internet Radio (7/8/15)
Bath City Internet Radio will once again be following City the length and breadth of the country to cover all their games during the 2015-16 season. They have a new address at www.bathcityinternetradio.co.uk and will be on air from 2.45pm tomorrow as City open their campaign at home to Wealdstone.
Matthews signs and further player news (6/8/15)
As the start of the new season grows ever closer, we are pleased to announce the signing of Luke Matthews following his successful pre-season introduction to the Club. Luke, a former apprentice with Swindon Town, finished last season at Swindon Supermarine.
Also registered this week for the new campaign are Bath University student and former academy midfielder, Elliott Gibbons, second year academy defender, Ryan Bole, and forward Liam Monelle who was with Bristol City last season. All have figured in pre-season matches.
With injury problems for Ben Adelsbury, Chris Allen and Sekani Simpson, we have beeen looking at cover in the early part of the season when there are many fixtures. Matt Coupe, who is currently without a club, has agreed to help us out early on and we would like to thank Matt for offering his assistance in covering for part of this busy period.
Having sought international clearance for Bradley Williams, we can comfirm this has come through and he will be available for selection this Saturday, when we commence the Vanarama National South campaign for 2015/16.
Comedy Club deal for season ticket holders (5/8/15)
Bath City Football Club and Komedia – have joined together to offer an exclusive promotion – 2 for 1 auditorium tickets at any Krater Comedy Club – for Bath City Football Club season ticket holders.
The Krater Comedy Club presents award winning comedy every Saturday night at Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street, staged in the Chortle Award winning “Best venue in Wales and the West”. Enjoy a night of the best live stand-up comedy featuring three established high profile acts and the best comperes in the business. Also enjoy award winning locally sourced food and stay on free for the critically acclaimed club night “Motorcity”
Use promo code: “bathcityfootball” for online bookings or phone 0845 2938480. Please remember you must take your Bath City season ticket with you to gain entry to confirm the discounted price ticket and this offer is subject to availability.
Five-star City in bonus pre-season outing (4/8/15)
City’s short-notice final pre-season outing saw them beat Shepton Mallet by five goals to nil at Twerton Park this evening. The Romans fielded a strong side in the first half, with nine of the first team squad lining up alongside triallist Luke Matthews and, making a surprise re-appearance in the black and white stripes, Matt Coupe. They had already gone close on a couple of occasions before Dave Pratt won possession deep in the Shepton half and hit a shot that keeper Garlick could only deflect into the roof of the net on 15 minutes. Seven minutes before the break Jon Davies set up Dan Bowman to slot home and make it 2-0. The interval saw City make ten changes, with just Coupe returning for the second half, although he was replaced by Jim Rollo just past the hour mark. The game was a more even contest now but the introduction of Nick McCootie on 73 minutes led to City’s third goal as he set up Bradley Williams two minutes later. Ten minutes from time Liam Monelle raced clear to slot home and five minutes later he made it 5-0 with a neat finish.
Sponsorship duo back on board for 15-16 (3/8/15)
Bath City Football Club is pleased to announce that two sponsorship deals from last season will continue for another year. Country Care Homes will again sponsor the match day programme and owner Chad Doveton said, “Firlawn Nursing Home, with Country Care Homes, is pleased to be sponsoring Bath City’s match day programme for a second season.”
Meanwhile Bath Building Society will continue to sponsor the Bath City FC website with PR & Communications Manager Tiffany Hardie-Albutt commenting “We have been supporting the club in numerous ways over many years and we are delighted to be sponsoring the website again this season. It is important to the Society that we support our local community, whether through our Annual Charity Awards or through direct sponsorship, as with the football club. We wish the club all the best in their quest for promotion in the months ahead.”
Bath Building Society will also be involved in helping young supporters, who are mascots, get into the saving habit. All match day mascots will receive a £10 voucher to open a Bath Building Society savings account and the first youngster to receive their voucher will be the mascot for this Saturday’s opening game of the season against Wealdstone. For more details about mascot packages please look under the commercial section of the club website.
Player news and additonal pre-season game (2/8/15)
City will entertain Shepton Mallet at Twerton Park on Tuesday 4 August (ko 7.30pm). Admission prices will be all Adults £5, U16’s £1.
Having fully recovered from his end of season injury, Andy Watkins has signed again and is looking forward to taking his pre-season form into the new campaign.
Prior to Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Shortwood, further signings were completed with club stalwart, Jim Rollo, Bath University student, Louis Perry, and ex-academy striker, Jake Sloggett all registering for the season ahead.
On the injury front, Ben Adelsbury is building up his recovery from injury, Chris Allen, who is suspended for the first three league matches, made his first appearance at Yate and is making good progress, while Sekani Simpson is struggling with a knee injury.
Pre-season campaign ends with another win (1/8/15)
City completed their impressive pre-season campaign with a 3-0 win over Shortwood United this afternoon, all three goals coming during the opening 33 minutes. On 20 minutes City broke forward quickly and Kevin Nicholson crossed for Frankie Artus to head home. The midfield then turned provider, laying off Dave Pratt’s cross for Jon Davies to make it 2-0 four minutes later. And Pratt then got on the scoresheet, heading home Nicholson’s 33rd minute corner. With the game won City eased off in the second half as thoughts began to turn to their opening Vanarama National League South game at home to Wealdstone next Saturday and the hosts came close on several occasions to reducing the deficit.