Next Match – Taunton Town – Home
City return to action this Good Friday as they host local rivals Taunton Town. This follows a rare week off following the postponement of last weekend’s trip to Hungerford due to a waterlogged pitch.
Whilst it was a disappointment to not have a game, it gave Jerry and the team a much needed rest, and more recovery time for those still looking to come back from injury.
With five games to go, the Romans sit in 12th with 58 points, though they do hold a game in hand on the two teams directly above them. The top seven is still well within reach, despite recent results, but a win on Friday seems a must.
Taunton have struggled for goals all season, their total of 39 only better than bottom side Concord Rangers, who have 33. They played against each other on Tuesday evening, with our opponents winning 1-0, their first victory in five home games. They now look set to secure survival in their first season at this level.
Unsurprisingly, games involving the Peacocks have seen just 82 goals, which is 12 fewer than any other team in the division. If you were hoping for goals in this game, you may want to lower expectations as City’s last two Good Friday fixtures have produced two 0-0 draws. Last year’s game against Havant & Waterlooville saw our visitors squander a golden opportunity to take all three points with a last second penalty miss.
The last win over our Somerset rivals came all the way back in 1995, a 3-0 victory at Twerton in the Somerset Premier Cup Final second leg. Jerry Gill started both legs in a tie we won 4-0 on aggregate. September’s draw in the league ended a run of four successive defeats against them. Alex Fletcher netted a 97th minute equaliser in that match.
Delayed by a week because of the postponement, Dan Hayfield will finally make his 50th appearance, and City get a timely boost in the form of Tom Smith, who is able to feature as his suspension is only applicable to Somerset Premier Cup fixtures.
We also welcome back seven ex-City players who now ply their trade with the visitors. Between them they have made 729 appearances and scored 93 goals for the club.
Tickets can be bought in advance on the club’s website.
