Next Match – Havant & Waterlooville (H)
City return to Twerton Park this Saturday 2nd to take on a Hawks side who collected their first win of the season on Monday against Bath’s arch-rivals Yeovil Town.
The game in question was a 4-3 thriller, their first victory of the season to move them off the bottom. Manager Jamie Collins found himself in hot water, being sent from the dugout early in the second half. During his playing career, Collins appeared in over 150 games for the Hawks and was a key midfielder for Sutton United in the National League between 2015-2020. He famously scored the winner against Leeds United for the Ambers from the penalty spot in an FA Cup 4th Round win in 2017 before their run ended v Arsenal. In the latter stages of the 2022/23 season, Paul Doswell swapped his managerial role at Havant for a Director of Football position, while Collins stepped up from player coach to take charge of the first team. Doswell and former assistant Ian Baird have since left Havant altogether.
City head into this match with a great run of form behind them. If they defeat the Hawks this weekend, the Stripes will have won four league games on the bounce. The last time Jerry Gill’s side achieved this was November 2019; that season City finished 4th in the table when it was decided on a points per game basis.
In the last five match-ups between the sides, the Romans are unbeaten with three wins and two draws. Scott Wilson netted twice in a thrilling 2-2 draw at West Leigh Park last October where Josh Passley converted from close range with basically the last kick of the game to secure a draw. In the return contest City won 2-0 in a feisty contest which saw Havant end with nine men. Key forward Mo Faal received two yellows in the first half before Charlie Ruff was dismissed late for a horrible challenge on Marley Rose. Wilson and Sonny Cox were on target for Bath and it started a terrible run for the Hawks – Monday was only their second win in 22 since and they’ve not kept an away clean sheet in 2023.
Historically the Hawks can still hold some bragging rights over City. Their last win at Twerton was in front of an empty stadium during Covid lockdown restrictions. Roarie Deacon was among the goals in a comfortable 3-0 FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round win, the lively winger re-signed in the summer from Maidstone.
City’s recent fantastic form has been aided by you, the fans, turning up week-in-week-out to support the boys. Come along this Saturday 2nd to cheer on a team in high spirits! Tickets available here for £1 less than on the gate.
Who – Bath City vs Havant and Waterlooville
When – Saturday 2nd September, 3pm
Where – Twerton Park
