Next Match – Tonbridge Angels (H)
Bath City’s penultimate home match this campaign sees them take on Tonbridge Angels at Twerton Park (KO 3pm).
Jay Saunders’ side are the only side in the division who cannot mathematically reach the play-offs, nor can they fall into the bottom four. Monday’s loss at home to Farnborough ended their slim hopes of reaching the top seven, so it’s pride to play for. One defeat in nine after beating City in October saw them rise up the table but poor away form in 2024 (one win in 11, that at already relegated Dover) has stalled further progress. They’ve also suffered from a big player turnover, losing the likes of Jordan Greenidge and Kodi Lyons-Foster in recent weeks plus a host of early season departures. It’s also the third season running where Angels have failed to win an FA Cup game (they’ve conceded 13 in their last three 2nd Qualifying Round ties, all away to lower league) and the second campaign running where they didn’t progress in the FA Trophy either.
They’re still backed well with an average attendance just over 1,000, including the biggest ever at Longmead on Boxing Day when 2,806 witnessed Jordan Higgs’ last-gasp leveller at home to Kent rivals Maidstone United. That was one of his three this season, the leading marksman on their books is Nathan Odokonyero, who netted his ninth in 14 outings on Monday. The Ugandan is on loan from Ebbsfleet United having shone at Bognor Regis Town last year where he plundered over 20 goals.
City’s front two, Scott Wilson and Cody Cooke, are both one shy of 20 themselves. Each were on target in an eventful 3-2 loss at Tonbridge last October. Jamie Fielding headed the hosts ahead before Cooke levelled and Wilson’s sublime half volley put the Romans ahead. City lost Ollie Wright to a dislocated shoulder right on half-time, forcing them to field Joe Raynes in goal in the second half. It took two Lewis Gard penalties to beat him, the second in the last minute, as Jerry Gill’s side returned home pointless.
It was Tonbridge’s second win in a row against City having claimed a 1-0 success at Twerton in February 2023.
Ephraim Yeboah will return to the fold after featuring for Bristol City in their FA Youth Cup semi-final loss at Manchester City on Tuesday. Kieran Parselle and Ewan Clark could also return, giving the Romans more options. A win will see Gill’s outfit succeed last season’s points tally, it’s his 150th home match in charge and City’s 50th game of the season in all competitions.
Discounted tickets are available here, come along and cheer on the Romans as they look to cement a place in the top seven!
