Join the new Bath City Lottery Today – The Goalden Gate Weekly Superdraw (30/3/16)
The Bath City Lotto is going to change and a new lottery called the Goalden Gate Superdraw, run by Midland Sporting Association, will start from April 11th. The final draw for the Bath City Lotto will be on 4th April. Existing Bath City Lotto members have now all received details about the new lottery. The cost of the new lottery is the same as before at £1 a week or £4.34 a month via standing order, or cheque payments.
Each member will receive 10 lucky numbers giving them a great chance of winning £1000, £150, £100, £75, £50, £25, £10 or £5 every week plus the Accumulator Birthdate Draw, with a total of 60 cash prizes every week.
The club will be looking for new members to join the lottery and for agents to help with this, in what is a vital new way of increasing revenue to our football club. If you are interested in being an agent please email the club at info@bathcityfootballclub.co.uk and we will get back to you.
For details of how to join the Goalden Gate Superdraw, download and application form HERE and send it to: Midland Sporting Association, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR.
Application forms can also be obtained from the club, via the club website / see Bob Chester or Jan Reader
Vanarama Big Day Out early bird offer extended (29/3/16)
The National League (in association with sponsors Vanarama) has released further information reference details of ticket information for their annual flagship final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE which will kick off at 4pm on Sunday 15th May 2016. This year ALL ticket sales are being handled directly by Wembley Stadium and will be available for the first time with an option for ‘Print at Home’ (PAH).
Adults: £20
Seniors (Over 60): £10
Under 16: FREE **
(** 1 free U16 ticket can be ordered for each ticket sold at Adult or Senior price).
Additional tickets for Under 16 over the above allowance can be purchased at £5 each.
Early Bird sales are made even more attractive as no booking fee is charged.
Please be advised no ticket is refundable once purchased.
Disabled seated allocation is available directly through Wembley Stadium and details are also available on-line.
GENERAL ADMISSION SALE – as of Monday 9th May:
Category 1: £41 (no concessions)
Category 2: £36 and £18 (Under 16’s)
These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee.
For both General Admission and Early Bird sales, postage will be charged at:
£2.50 per order or £1 for all PAH sales.
WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL: https://events.wembleystadium.com/Online/default.asp
Note: Early Bird tickets will NOT be available to purchasers either by post or available via PAH until the two competing finalist clubs are confirmed – 9th May. This will allow for seated allocation to be made in blocks for any group of supporters of a club wishing to be in the same area. In order for this to be offered, when on-line transactions are made the purchaser will be required to nominate which National League member club they align themselves to or they may indicate a ‘No Preference’ option. Supporters of the two clubs reaching the Promotion Final will be allocated their tickets for the correct area of the stadium allotted to each finalist club.
City back from the dead in stunning Easter tale (28/3/16)
When fellow strugglers Weston Super Mare scored to go 1-0 up on 90 minutes City looked to have one foot in the Southern League but four minutes later they were celebrating an incredible victory thanks to two goals from Tyler Harvey, one from the penalty spot and the second a stunning shot from just inside the Seagulls half. As is so often the case in games that finish with such drama there was little sign of the events to come in the previous jousting. City had enjoyed the majority of possession and created the better openings but, once again, they lacked the cutting edge to take advantage. Both teams had strong early appeals for penalties waved away by the referee, who time and again seemed happy to let clear infringements on both sides of the ball go. Chances were at a premium, Nick McCootie sending an overhead kick straight at keeper Purnell and ex-City striker Wilson just failing to get on the end of a Grubb cross. In fact, the closest City came was when Sekani Simpson – recently signed by the Seagulls after nearly ten years with City – headed narrowly over his own bar. The second half continued with City looking the stronger side but it wasn’t until 71 minutes that they created a clear cut opening, Dave Pratt racing clear from Dan Ball’s pass forward only to see Purnell block his low shot. As the game reached it closing stages Weston finally began to see more of the ball in the City half and as the clock moved past 90 minutes Wilson’s low shot found the net via the post to send the Weston players and fans into ecstasy. However, within four minutes it had turned to despair. First, on 93 minutes City won a corner where Harvey’s downward header was destined for the top corner before another former Roman, Ingram, pushed the ball over with his hand. He was shown a red card and from the penalty spot Harvey’s shot had just enough power to beat Purnell. This would have been a good recovery for City but, remarkably, from the restart Weston lost possession and Harvey, a couple of yards in their half, saw Purnell off his line and fired an incredible shot over the desperately backpedalling keeper. Twerton Park erupted and moments later the final whistle saw another huge ovation as City celebrated an unforgettable comeback and ensured their Vanarama National League South fate remains firmly in their own hands.
Drop fears deepen with Maidenhead defeat (25/3/16)
City slipped to within just a point of the Vanarama National League South bottom three after a 3-1 defeat at Maidenhead United this afternoon. The hosts went ahead after just 16 minutes when Pritchard got free down the left and his cross was turned in at the near post by Mulley. Both sides created further openings during the first half, although Maidenhead continued to carry the greater attacking threat. However, within two minutes of the restart City levelled. Liam Kelly’s free-kick picked out Tyler Harvey at the back post and, although ex-City keeper Pentney blocked his first effort, he nodded home the rebound. The Magpies responded strongly and restored their lead ten minutes later, Pritchard’s free-kick from about 40-yards out somehow evading everyone to end up in the back of the net. And eight minutes later they went 3-1 up, Mulley firing into the top corner after City failed to clear a corner. That was how the game finished and, with Weston Super Mare’s shock 2-1 win over league leaders Ebbsfleet United, leaves City in a perilous position ahead of Monday’s massive clash with the Weston at Twerton Park.
City denied victory by late Stortford strike (19/3/16)
City scored two goals in a game for the first time under Gary Owers’ leadership this afternoon – thanks to a Liam Kelly free-kick and Dave Pratt’s 50th goal for the club – but had to settle for another draw after Bishop’s Stortford struck in stoppage time. After an uneventful opening 10 minutes Pratt won a free-kick for City 25 yards out and Stortford keeper King could only push Kelly’s low shot into the roof of the net. The rest of the half saw City comfortably in control, although they rarely looked like adding to their lead, a Kelly effort straight at King and Ashley Kington’s shot that cleared the bar the only efforts on goal. As in the defeat at Truro four days earlier the interval signalled a change in the balance of the game as the visitors began to gain the upper hand. And in a almost exact repeat of that game a penalty levelled the scores around the hour mark. Pratt was adjudged to have fouled Allen and Buchanan sent Steve Phillips the wrong way from the spot. City were now reeling but the introduction of Nick McCootie on 76 minutes turned the game back in their favour. First a powerful run forward saw him cross to an unmarked Dan Bowman but he somehow blasted over the open goal from just a few yards out, However, a minute later his shot was charged down into the path of Pratt to slide home from close range. As the game entered stoppage time City looked to have seen it out for a much needed win but when Andy Gallinagh gave the ball away midway in his half, Stortford were handed one last chance. Although Phillips blocked Buchanan’s first effort the ball dropped kindly and he made no mistake at the second attempt.
Legend Simmo departs but Batten’s back (18/3/16)
After nearly ten years at the Club, Sekani Simpson has left to sign for Weston-super-Mare. Sekani joined City in October 2006, making his debut as a late substitute against Chesham United that month, and was soon an integral part of the team who would go on to lift the Southern League Championship that season. He also helped City win promotion to the Conference National in 2009-10 and was named player of the season during the Romans second year at that level. In total he played 376 times for City, scoring on five occasions. And probably the most remarkable statistic of his time at the club was, despite playing the vast majority of games in defence, he was only booked six times and never sent off. As a long serving and valued member of the squad, we thank Sekani for his dedicated service to the Club and wish him well for the future.
We are pleased to welcome Jack Batten back to the Club following his release by Bristol City. Following a successful three month loan spell, which expired after the Havant & Waterlooville match in February, Jack should be available for this weekend’s game against Bishop’s Stortford.
City not at the races in 2nd half Truro stumble (16/3/16)
City surrended a one goal half-time lead to lose 3-1 at play-off chasing Truro City last night. After Steve Phillips had blocked a Vassell shot in the opening minute City controlled the first half and were good value for their advantage at the break. The goal came on seven minutes when Dave Pratt headed home Eliot Richards cross. City’s best chance to increase their lead came on the stroke of the break when Richards found space in the box but saw his shot well blocked by Whites keeper Rice. However, from the restart Truro looked like a new side, quicker to the ball, winning 50/50’s and not allowing City the time in possession they had in the opening 45 minutes. There was an element of fortune about their equaliser on 59 minutes though, when Phillips was very harshly adjudged to have fouled Vassell, who had clearly lost control of the ball. White didn’t worry about this though, driving the penalty in the roof of the net. Again City had reason to feel aggrieved with Truro’s second goal in the 80th minute. Chas Hemmings’ perfectly clean tackle was penalised by the referee – who even booked the midfielder – and from the resultant free-kick the ball dropped to Afful to fire home. Debutant loanee Tyler Marsh spurned a great chance to equaliser with a couple of minutes left, shooting over after beating Truro’s offside trap, but in the final minute of stoppage time Afful struck again to make it 3-1.
Kelly spot on to deny leaders victory (12/3/16)
After being on the wrong end of a late penalty at Oxford City last weekend, City profited from a last minute spot kick this week to earn a thoroughly deserved point against Vanarama National League South leaders Ebbsfleet United. In truth it was the least City warranted from the game where they more than matched the Kent side, only the familiar lack of a cutting edge denying them the win. During the opening ten minutes United looked like a side destined to be playing at a higher level next season but having weathered this start City shaded the rest of the half. Andy Watkins just failed to latch onto a Dan Ball through pass then looked to have won City a penalty when he had van der Bogaert pulling him back in the area. Watkins tried to stay on feet and the referee ignored the infringement that anywhere else on the pitch would have been a clear foul. Just past the half-hour Ebbsfleet almost took the lead against the run of play, Steve Phillips turning Deerings’ rising shot over the bar, but City responded strongly when Watkins’ low shot forced a smart stop from Northmore, who alos smothered Dave Pratt’s follow-up effort. Futher good play from City failed to create clear openings and this pattern continuted after the half-time break. However, as the game reached its final quarter Ebbsfleet began to impose themselves once again, Andy Gallinagh clearing Kedwell’s header off the line, and on 76 minutes they went ahead. Kedwell got free down the left and his cross picked out an unmarked Sheringham 10-yards out of an unguarded goal. Incredibly he managed to spoon the ball onto the bar but the rebound dropped to Parkes to drive it home. This looked like it would be the deciding goal but, as the clock ticked into the final minute, substitute Ashley Kington was bundled over in the box and, this time, the referee pointed to the spot, from where Liam Kelly fired the ball home to ensure some justice was done.
City have signed Plymouth Argyle forward Tyler Harvey on loan for a month. The loan deals for Billy Murphy and Liam Kelly have been extended for a further month.
Late penalty means Oxford spoils shared (5/3/16)
Two goals in the final ten minutes saw the points shared between City and Oxford City in a 1-1 draw at Marsh Lane this afternoon. City struck first through Liam Kelly’s stunning 20-yard effort but the hosts levelled on 87 minutes from the penalty spot. City had largely controlled the first half, with Oxford looking a pale shadow of the side who won so impressively at Twerton Park back in November, but failed to turn this dominance into clear cut chances. The second half began in a more scrappy fashion with both sides struggling to impose themselves on the game. Andy Watkins finally tested the home keeper with a rising shot, Chas Hemmings heading the resultant corner over, and Dan Bowman fired another effort narrowly wide of the target. At the other end Andy Gallinagh blocked a close range shot on the line as Oxford finally began to pose some attacking threat. An almighty goalmouth scramble nearly saw City take the lead midway through the half but with 10 minutes left Kelly robbed ex-City full-back Paul Stonehouse before unleashing a great strike into the net via the far post. Oxford responded strongly to the goal, Steve Phillips tipping one shot over the bar then the defence producing some great last ditch blocks. However, with three minutes left Danny Greenslade’s mis-timed challenge saw the referee point to the spot, from where Bubb made no mistake. Suddenly having looked likely winners City were holding on for a draw. Phillips produced a great double save before the follow up shot was cleared off the line and strong handball penalty appeals were waved away by the referee. The last chance did fall to City, Brad Williams dragging a shot wide, leaving City to reflect whether it was a point gained or two lost.
2016 Vanarama Big Day Out details (3/3/16)
The National League (in association with sponsors Vanarama) has released details of ticket information for their annual flagship final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE which will kick off at 4pm on Sunday 15th May 2016. This year ALL ticket sales will be handled directly by Wembley Stadium and will be available for the first time with an option for ‘Print at Home’ (PAH). Tickets will ONLY be available to purchase on-line and are priced as follows:
Adults: £20
Seniors (Over 60): £10
Under 16: FREE **
(** 1 free U16 ticket can be ordered for each ticket sold at Adult or Senior price).
Additional tickets for Under 16 over the above allowance can be purchased at £5 each.Early Bird sales are made even more attractive as no booking fee is charged.
Please be advised no ticket is refundable once purchased.
Disabled seated allocation is available directly through Wembley Stadium and details are also available on-line.
GENERAL ADMISSION SALE – date available to be announced:
Category 1: £41 (no concessions)
Category 2: £36 and £18 (Under 16’s)
These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee.
For both General Admission and Early Bird sales, postage will be charged at:
£2.50 per order or £1 for all PAH sales.
WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL: https://events.wembleystadium.com/Online/default.asp
Note: Early Bird tickets will NOT be available to purchasers either by post or available via PAH until the two competing finalist clubs are confirmed. This will allow for seated allocation to be made in blocks for any group of supporters of a club wishing to be in the same area. In order for this to be offered, when on-line transactions are made the purchaser will be required to nominate which National League member club they align themselves to or they may indicate a ‘No Preference’ option. Supporters of the two clubs reaching the Promotion Final will be allocated their tickets for the correct area of the stadium allotted to each finalist club.
Greenslade loan extended to third month (2/3/16)
City have extended the loan deal with Bristol Rovers for full-back Danny Greenslade into a third and final month.
Unbeaten run ends on frustrating Twerton Park night (1/3/16)
City’s unbeaten run under new manager Gary Owers came to an end this evening as they were beaten by a single goal by play-off chasing Gosport Borough. It was a frustrating evening for City, with the visitors time-wasting and gamesmanship, along with a series of refereeing decisions going against them, and this was summed up in Frankie Artus receiving the side’s first red card of the season seven minutes from time. The game opened scrappily, although Dave Pratt went close with a glancing header that keeper Ashmore did well to keep out on 10 minutes. What turned out to be the decisive goal arrived nine minutes later when Williams’ 20-yard shot found the corner of the net. Gosport nearly doubled their lead on the half hour mark, Andy Gallinagh clearing Pearce’s header off the line, but that was as close as either side would come before the interval. With the wind at their backs City began the second half strongly, Andy Watkins shooting narrowly wide and Artus seeing his low effort blocked on the line. In-between, Watkins spurned City’s best chance, rounding Ashmore only to slice the ball wide of the unguarded goal as it ran away from him on the wet surface. It just looked a matter of time before City levelled, Liam Kelly twice forcing good saves out of Ashmore and Poate nearly putting through his own net. However, the Hampshire side were being allowed to time-waste at every opportunity, which began to disrupt the host’s momentum, and time and again City’s players were left baffled by refereeing decisions. Then with seven minutes left Artus challenged for a high ball with Ryan and the Gosport player went down holding his face, which saw the referee reach straight for his red card. Despite this City continued to pin Borough back, although they were almost caught on the break a couple of times, but they couldn’t find an equaliser that their performance throughly deserved.