Kington strike maintains unbeaten 2015 (31/1/15)
City maintained their unbeaten start to 2015 thanks to an early goal from Ashley Kington and a resilient defensive performance at Eastbourne Borough this afternoon. Kington fired home on six minutes after the Boro defence failed to deal with a Frankie Artus cross but it took two great last ditch tackles from Sekani Simpson and Phil Walsh to keep this advantage intact. A point blank header was also gratefully grabbed at the second attempt by Jason Mellor. Although City were knocking the ball around well they were restricted to a couple of long range efforts during the remainder of the half. The second period began with Dave Pratt inches from getting on the end of an Andy Gallinagh cross but the loss of Chas Hemmings at the interval allowed the hosts to enjoy greater possession in midfield. Lok shot wide when well-placed before Mellor was called into action to save Evans’ dipping shot. He also bravely saved at the feet McCallum as Eastbourne began to increase the pressure. City were reduced to rare breakaways, although twice Andy Watkins got goal side of their defence by couldn’t convert the chances. Stoppage time saw Paquette and Pinney blast the ball over the bar and this turned out to be their final openings allowing City to record a fourth successive victory.
Vanarama Big Day Out (30/1/15)
The Vanarama Conference is to break new ground this season in the marketing of their showcase event known officially as the ‘Vanarama Conference Promotion Final’, to be staged at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Sunday 17th May at
As part of a combined new style approach, the Football Conference has teamed up with Vanarama their Title Sponsor, to bring a number of innovations to the end of season climax. With additional input from EE, the lead partner of Wembley Stadium a number of fantastic offers and savings will be made available to attract support to attend the Promotion Final from all areas of the game, which will form part of the newly named ‘Vanarama BIG Day Out’. The primary move this season is to make the day more memorable by creating an electric party atmosphere for all footy fans let alone fans of the two finalists; and above all at an affordable family price. A voucher guarantees you a ticket with nothing more to pay. How good is that?
Starting almost immediately, every member club of the Football Conference will make available a special voucher offer to their fans of massive reductions on ticket prices for the Promotion Final. There will also be competitions and other opportunities to win tickets through Vanarama and EE and at Wembley there will be pre match entertainment for all the family and a major chance for a footy fan to win money, not only for himself but his own Conference Club. And we are talking BIG!
Further detailed updates will be made public via member clubs, all sponsors and associated partners, either through website information bulletins or social media channels (networking messages aided by infographics). So keep an eye out over the closing months of the season as the race to the Football League takes closer order as the competition really hots up at the top of the Vanarama Conference. Typically a family of four could save £86 just by being first in the queue for a voucher. Can you afford to miss out on that sort of offer?
The vouchers go on sale ONLY from member clubs as of Monday 2nd February. The ‘Early Bird Offer’ will be available until the end of February ONLY, with vouchers being available at an amazing discount price of £10 for Adults and £5 for children under 16 years. Vouchers will be redeemable in due course for actual event tickets at the Vanarama Big Day Out featuring the Vanarama Conference Promotion Final. There is nothing more to pay for your ticket!
As vouchers (at these massive discounted prices) are limited in numbers don’t delay in contacting your local Vanarama Club to find out more details on how to take advantage of this opportunity, to ensure you grab the best deal ever for a great Venue of Legends experience. Wembley awaits you!
Vanarama extend Conference sponsorship (30/1/15)
The Football Conference is delighted to announce www.Vanarama.co.uk, the UK’s No1 van leasing company who became Title Sponsor of the Football Conference at the start of this current season, has upgraded its current agreement and will continue as Title Sponsor for season 2015/16.
This information was released to the Football Conference’s member clubs at their EGM today in Telford earlier this week.
Brian Lee, the Chairman of the Football Conference commented, “Vanarama has demonstrated in a short space of a few months how a major sponsor can fully engage in an interactive manner, not only with our member clubs but most importantly their fans and our other partners. It has been a collective approach and been rewarded with a volume of first class comments received from many quarters of the game and the business world.”
Vanarama’s managing director and founder Andy Alderson stated “We have been thrilled by the response to our sponsorship by fans and clubs alike. We are now seeking to increase our involvement in Conference football over the coming months, and plans for 2015/2016 season to help make this great Competition bigger and better are already looking very exciting.”
For Brian Lee the announcement was of particular significance: “This announcement is pleasing for me personally, for I am able in the last few months of my stewardship, prior to passing the baton to Brian Barwick, to sincerely thank Vanarama. It will assist to make the incoming Chairman’s position much easier, in as much that our partnership with Vanarama is blossoming and that must be really positive for my successor to know already. Andy and his staff have in return been very complimentary in how member clubs and our staff and my fellow directors have responded to their open and often innovative sponsorship. I am sure I speak on behalf of all connected with our Competition that we look forward to our relationship continuing even past 2015/16”.
Vanarama’s partnership with The Football Conference was negotiated by sports marketing agency SportQuake who have been instrumental in the innovative and successful national sponsorship campaign executed to date. SportQuake specialise in helping consumer brands and rights owners to deliver commercial and cultural value through sport. This year SportQuake has already completed over 100 football partnership deals including major transactions with all 20 English Premier League clubs.
Coach details for Dover Trophy clash (28/1/15)
City’s Supporters Club have announced details of the coach to Dover Athletic on Saturday 7 February for the FA Trophy quarter-final tie. The coach will depart at the following times:
Cost will be on a sliding scale depending on numbers (adults/concessions/children):
Non-supporters club members £4 extra.
Tea and coffee will be served on the coach and you can book a seat by ringing Bas on 07881 728689.
Dover replay winners to set up City tie (27/1/15)
City will face a long trip to Kent in the FA Trophy quarter-finals after Dover Athletic beat Woking 1-0 in their replay this evening. The sides could only be separated by a free-kick on the hour mark but that was enough to send the Whites into the next round and they will entertain City on Saturday 7 February.
Dover or Woking away in FA Trophy draw (26/1/15)
The draw for the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy has given City an away trip to either Dover Athletic or Woking. The Vanarama Premier duo draw 3-3 on Saturday – with Woking scoring a 94th minute equaliser – and replay in Kent tomorrow evening. The tie will take place on Saturday 7 February.
Walsh heads City into FA Trophy quarter-finals (24/1/15)
A Phil Walsh goal with 12 minutes remaining took City through to the FA Trophy quarter-finals for just the second time in the club’s history at Twerton Park this afternoon. His header, from a Ross Stearn free-kick, was enough to deservedly beat Vanarama Premier side Altrincham and ensure City’s name goes into the hat for Monday’s draw. An early chance for Andy Watkins showed that City were going to pose a real test for the higher division side, and it was Watkins again who lifted a shot across goal on 18 minutes. The visitors were enjoying the greater possession but time and again their attacks broke down in the final third of the pitch. Only as the half reached it closing stages did they threaten a goal, Mellor blocking Clee’s shot then producing a finger-tip save to deny Lawrie. Having been largely content to contain Alty during the first half after the break City began to pose a much great attacking threat. Keeper Coburn got down low to save Chris Allen’s shot then Ben Adelsbury headed a Dave Pratt centre narrowly over. In-between Mellor did well to block Reeves close-range effort after initially fumbling the ball. Allen then was denied a strong penalty claim when Marshall brought him down in the box before Coburn produced another good save from Watkins’ shot. The introduction of attacking trio Nick McCootie, Naby Diallo and Ross Stearn showed that the game was there for the taking and it was the latter who set up Walsh to finally break the deadlock. If City feared an onslaught from Altrincham after this it never materialised, in fact the Romans almost caught them on the break several times in the closing stages before the referee’s whistle sparked jubliant scenes on and off the pitch.
Admission details for Trophy tie (22/1/15)
City have confirmed that normal Vanarama Conference South admission prices will apply for Saturday’s FA Trophy 3rd Round clash with Vanarama Premier side Altrincham at Twerton Park. This includes the accompanied kids for £1 and family ticket deals (available from the ticket office). There are no currently no plans to segregate the game. In the event of the match ending in a draw the replay will take place at Alty’s Moss Lane home on Tuesday 27 January (ko 7.45pm).
City’s trip to Whitehawk has been rearranged for Tuesday 3 February (ko 7.45pm).
Bath City Academy trials in February (21/1/15)
On 18th February, the first Bath City academy trial will take place on the astro pitch at Odd Down playing fields, Bloomfield Road, Bath BA2 2NX. For more details and to book a place please contact Billy Clark on 07968 086836 or e-mail bclarkwilliam@gmail.com.
2015 Bath City Community Day announced (20/1/15)
Following on from the successful “Community Day” last season, which produced the season’s highest crowd of 1374, this year City are planning another Bath City Community Day, where all fans will be able to “Pay What They Want”. The game chosen is the match between City and Concord Rangers on Saturday 14th March. Again 10% of the money taken will be donated to the RUH Forever Friends Appeal. More details to follow.
Following the 9am pitch inspection Whitehawk have confirmed that tonight’s match against City is off. City can now turn their attention to Saturday’s FA Trophy 3rd Round tie against Altrincham at Twerton Park, with a place in the quarter-finals for the winners.
Whitehawk pitch inspection in morning (19/1/15)
Whitehawk will hold a 9am pitch inspection in the morning to determine whether tomorrow evening’s Vanarama Conference South meeting with City can go ahead. Please check the website or Twitter for the outcome of the inspection.
Pratt double edges City past Staines (17/1/15)
A brace from top scorer Dave Pratt saw City beat bottom of the table Staines Town 2-1 at Twerton Park this afternoon. For a second successive week City got off to the perfect start with a goal on just five minutes. Visiting keeper Turner did well to keep out Pratt’s initial shot from Ashley Kington’s corner but the rebound fell to Dan Ball and he was tripped by Roberts for a clear penalty. The pink-clad shot-stopper got a hand to Pratt’s low penalty kick but couldn’t keep it out. City were now carving their way through Staines’ defence almost at will but they couldn’t increase their advantage. Pratt and Andy Watkins both just failed to reach a Chas Hemmings cross, Frankie Artus and Ben Adelsbury tried their luck from long-range then Turner produced a great finger-tip save to deny Watkins. The same player then lifted a shot past the overworked keeper but just the wrong side of the post. City’s momentum was disrupted when Turner appeared to injure himself preparing to take a goal kick but, after a delay for treatment, he showed no signs of a serious problem. From then on City struggled to recapture their previous fluency but it was still from Staines’ first clear chance that they levelled on 40 minutes, Worsfold firing home after a corner was flicked on to him. However, less than a minute later City were back in front when Watkins pulled Dan Bowman’s cross back across goal for Pratt to hook it home from almost on the goalline. The second half lacked the action of the first, although Artus could have made it 3-1, heading over from Pratt’s nod back, and then Pratt turned home Bowman’s cross-shot from a clearly offside position. Even when Staines increasingly threw men forward in the closing stages City failed to take advantage of several promising positions and they were nearly made to pay in stoppage time when Aribo shot a yard wide with the goal at his mercy.
City sign Naby Diallo from Aldershot (15/1/15)
Naby Diallo has signed for City following his release from Aldershot Town. Subject to registration formalities, Naby should be ready for inclusion on Saturday and is available for the FA Trophy. This signing has been made possible by a donation to the Club.
City drawn at home to Altrincham in FA Trophy (12/1/15)
City have been drawn at home to Vanarama Conference side Altrincham in the FA Trophy 3rd Round. The tie will take place at Twerton Park on Saturday 24 January (ko 3pm).
First half show ensures Trophy progress (10/1/15)
A dominant first half performance and resilient second half show saw City progress to the last 16 of the FA Trophy with a 3-1 win at Vanarama Conference South rivals Wealdstone. Playing down the slope it took City just two minutes to go in front, Andy Watkins seizing on a mistake by Cronin to poke the ball under keeper North. This lead last just four minutes though, Godfrey heading the Stones level from a Jolly cross. Despite this blow City were soon back in control and on 21 minutes, after several chances came and went, Ashley Kington picked up a bouncing ball in the Wealdstone box before rifling it past North. Watkins was denied a second goal just before the half hour mark, Parker clearing his shot off the line, however on 37 minutes City increased their lead. Phil Walsh’s header was initially blocked on the line but the ball was only cleared as far as Frankie Artus and his first time effort found the corner of the net. Understandably the home side came into the game more after the break but rarely stretched City as they had been during the first 45 minutes. McGleish wasted their best chance in the 58th minute, heading wide with the goal at his mercy, and this seemed to deflate the host’s players and supporters. An optimistic penalty shout against Sekani Simpson was the only really nervous moment for City after this and Ben Adelsbury and Dave Pratt could have added to the scoring before the end. The final whistle saw City bank the £6000 prize money and looking forward to Monday’s 3rd Round draw.
City’s trip to Basingstoke Town on January 24 will now be rearranged and their home game against Farnborough on Tuesday has also been postponed as the Hampshire side must now play Maidenhead in a Trophy replay.
City look for further FA Trophy glory (7/1/15)
City travel to Vanarama Conference South rivals Wealdstone on Saturday with a place in the last 16 of this season’s FA Trophy at stake for the winners. Given their lack of success in the cup over the years the 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers in the previous round already ranks as one of the high points but a win in West London would keep alive hopes of a run to latter stages of the 45-year old competition. Despite spending over half of those years in the top division of non-league football, City have only reached the last 16 stage six times, then only once making any further progress. It wasn’t until the 1979-80 season that City even made it beyond the 1st Round, when wins over Trowbridge Town, Dartford and Merthyr Tydfil earned them a 3rd Round home meeting with Dulwich Hamlet. However, the Isthmian League side ended hopes of a quarter-final place with a 3-1 win at Twerton Park. Five years later City were back at that stage but bowed out to fellow Alliance Premier League side Maidstone United in a replay. Another five years passed and this time City finally made it one stage further, beating Woking in a replay, but dreams of Wembley Stadium were dashed by Stafford Rangers at Twerton Park. Three times since City had repeated this last 16 feat, 1991-92, 1995-96 and 2011-12, losing to Kidderminster Harriers, Bromsgrove Rovers and Grimsby Town respectively. So, Lee Howells’ team will hope to add just a seventh 3rd Round appearance to the club’s record book and keep alive hopes of the Rovers victory becoming just a smaller part of an FA Trophy success story.
City’s Supporters Club are running a coach to the game at Grosvenor Vale and departure times, prices and booking details can be found at here.
Admission for the game is £12 Adults, £7 Concessions and £2 Under-16s and if a replay is required this will take place on Tuesday 13 January at Twerton Park, kick-off 7.45pm.
Game of two halves in Magpies draw (4/1/15)
City and Maidenhead United battled out a 1-1 draw at a cold and damp York Road this afternoon, with the hosts controlling the first half before City were equally dominant after the interval. Playing down the slope it took Maidenhead just four minutes to open the scoring, Clifton firing past Jason Mellor from 20 yards out. Chances continued to come for the Magpies, but three times Mellor produced excellent saves and several further good openings were wasted. Bar a couple of half chances for City they had shown little as an attacking threat but a double change at the break – Andy Watkins and Andy Gallinagh replacing Phil Walsh and Pat Keary – gave them the width they had previously been lacking and the balance of the game shifted. Whilst City failed to create the goalscoring opportunities the hosts had, not helped by Maidenhead understandably slowing the game down every chance they had, several shakey moments from keeper Britt suggested an equaliser was always on the cards. And with ten minutes left he could only push Ross Stearn’s 25-yard free-kick over the line despite getting two hands to the ball. He did redemn himself somwhat five minutes later, blocking Nick McCootie’s shot with his legs, before Dave Pratt headed City’s last chance over the bar to ensure the points were shared.
Supporters Club Christmas draw winners (2/1/15)
£250 cash – 01023 Robert Speed
Hamper – 03979 Mark ?
Tilleys Bistro vouchers – 02624 Chris Stone
Bird in Hand voucher – 01296 Julie Lacey
Body Shop voucher – 01300 Robby Fourrel
Free MOT (Newbridge Autos) – 00672 Bob Chester
After match buffet for six – 01306 River (?) Byers (Kieron?)
Whisky gift set – 01371 Nigel Day
Selection of wines – 03141 ? Collinson
Bottle of Champagne – John Gibbons
Bottle of Whisky – 00085 Dave Bown
Bottle of Vodka – 00096 Ken Norris
Bottle of Shiraz – 04152 Gerry Dolan
Bottle of Champagne – 01292 Maureen Pike
Bottle of Chardonnay – 03237 R Hancock
Biscuit selection – 02609 ?
8 pack of Doombar – 02046 Dan Britten
Chocolates – 03917 Neil ?
Bottle of Merlot – 00708 Paul Blackmore
Chocolates – 02491 Jenny Rust
Biscuit selection – 02035 Dan Britten
Prizes can be claimed from the Supporters Club HQ before or after any home match. If this presents a problem, please contact Graham Weeks on 07925853176.
Many thanks from the Supporters Club to everyone who supported the draw this year!
City’s trip to Weston Super Mare has been rearranged for Tuesday 10 February (ko 7.45pm).
City begin 2015 with 3-0 Weston win (1/1/15)
City opened 2015 in winning style as a second half brace from Nick McCootie and a late strike from Ross Stearn saw them overcome Weston Super Mare by three goals to nil at Twerton Park this afternoon. The scoreline does flatter City somewhat, particularly after a first that the visitors controlled for long periods, but in the end they were more clinical in front of goal to climb back into the top half of the table and leave the Seagulls deep in relegation trouble. The opening 45 minutes saw City struggle to retain possession as Weston denied them time and space on the ball. Weston, in contrast, played some neat passing football up to the final third of the pitch but it wasn’t until the final minute of the half that Jason Mellor was forced into a difficult save, turning aside Watkins’ shot. The second half was just six minutes old when Chris Allen’s corner was flicked on by Dave Pratt for McCootie to head home from close range. City had an escape on 64 minutes when Mellor’s clearance was charged down by McClennan only for the midfielder to foul him as they challenged for the loose ball. Nine minutes later City doubled their lead, McCootie executing a perfect overhead kick after Ross Stearn’s volley had been blocked. And City completed the win two minutes into stoppage time as former Weston player Stearn curled home a 20-yard shot via the post.