Next Match – Weymouth (A) – FA Cup
Another away match in the FA Cup sees two National League South protagonists battle it out as City face a difficult game against the Terras.
Weymouth had lost four in a row before a revival of late with two 3-1 wins and a draw at Chippenham Town. In their last league outing they overcame Dover in a bottom of the table clash and last week they made a three division gap tell in the end against Highworth Town, though it needed an 87th minute penalty from Ezio Touray to rubber-stamp the win. He’s scored five in three since arriving as a free agent earlier this month, though he did miss from the penalty spot last time out against Chippenham. It started their cup journey though they have a long way to go if they are to match their best FA Cup finish in their history of the 4th Round in 1962. Last season they lost in a replay at AFC Wimbledon in round one, their best run in 15 years.
Fans of Weymouth consider their closest competitive rivals to be Yeovil Town. Over recent years, this historic rivalry separated by the A37 has quietened as the number of matches between the sides has dwindled with various promotions and relegations for the Glovers keeping the clubs apart. Looking more northerly, many fans would regard the Romans as adequate rivals and be expecting a cracker of a game this Saturday.
Jerry Gill was a relieved man after City’s last FA Cup tie. Larkhall Athletic proved to be much more of a challenge than expected as they held a 2-0 lead at half-time. A switch in tactics saw the Romans overpower their Bath rivals after the break with Jordan Thomas’ winner one to drool over. Cody Cooke’s two penalties helped City on their way to set up this tie with his former employers. It also takes Gill back to the Bob Lucas Stadium – he managed the side for 44 days in 2010 during a turbulent period with extremely limited resources.
City will be hoping that they avoid a repeat of the last 3rd Qualifying Round match they faced Weymouth in. A narrow 1-0 defeat for the Romans brought the end to their 2005 run as the eventual Conference South champions went on to take Nottingham Forest to a replay in the first round. The Romans will have better memories of a 1992 tie when a 2-0 win, clinched by a clinical finish by Jerry Gill, formed part of the run to round two which ended at Northampton.
Make the journey to the south coast this Saturday and cheer on City in what should be a captivating cup tie.
Who – Weymouth vs Bath City
When – Saturday 30th September, KO 3pm
Where – Bob Lucas Stadium
