Next Match – Hampton & Richmond Boro (H)
On the back of a 2-1 victory at Eastbourne, a reinvigorated Romans team face a similarly confident Hampton & Richmond side, looking to extend their unbeaten run to three.
This weekend’s opposition are used to playing on the road. Due to ongoing works on the surface at the Beveree, Hampton’s first seven matches are away from home, they’ll return to their venue on 5 September against Weymouth. Despite this disadvantage, they’ve picked up two creditable draws against two sides who were in the play-offs last term – Chelmsford and Dartford – both from losing positions. Dean Inman’s header rescued a point at Princes Park in a game which saw former Hampton midfielder Brandon Barzey sent off in the dying stages for a sickening lunge on Alfy Whittingham. Last Saturday they won 2-1 at Truro, Connor Kurran-Browne with the winner – more on him later. Ben Seymour featured in the win at Truro’s Plymouth-base – the Devonian signed from Plymouth Parkway last season and spent three months on loan at Twerton during the 2021/22 season, failing to net in 11 appearances.
Hampton goalkeeper Adam Desbois will be a familiar face for Romans fans – he was in goal for Hartley Wintney in the FA Cup meetings last term, followed by a stint at Cheshunt. Desbois should have the ideal tutor in manager Mel Gwinnett – a former goalkeeper who represented Weymouth among others. The 60-year-old, father of former City defender Raiff, had also served as Goalkeeper Coach at Exeter and MK Dons in the past. He was headhunted by new owners at the turn of the year and has recorded 10 league wins from 27. The club have gone through a few changes behind the scenes, including a new crest and X (Twitter) handle, though their matchday prices have this week caused concern from long-serving supporters – an adult price on the day at the Beveree will cost 19 pounds.
Jerry Gill’s side will be hoping his team carry on their momentum from last Saturday. Jordan Thomas has four goals in four games, this weekend he’ll be up against the Hampton full-back with the same name! Ben Morgan remains out with an ankle injury.
Both meetings between City and Hampton finished 1-1 last season. Scott Wilson’s first league goal for the Romans cancelled out Ruaridh Donaldson’s opener at the Beveree, before February’s clash saw Dan Hayfield’s stunning free-kick give Bath the lead before Connor Kurran-Browne tapped in a deserved late equaliser. It extended their unbeaten run over City to six, the Romans last enjoyed success over the South West London side in September 2019 when Tom Smith was among the goals in a 3-0 win. Smith is two shy of 50 for the club.
A reminder that Charlie’s bar will be open before and after the match but not during the half-time interval. The pre-ordering drinks system is no longer in use. Stripes and Romans bars will be open inside the ground until just before full-time.
It should be an entertaining one – come along to Twerton Park to kick-off your Bank Holiday weekend!
Tickets available here for £1 off.
Who – Bath City vs Hampton and Richmond Borough
When – Saturday 26th August, KO 3pm
Where – Twerton Park
