Quiz night at City on Friday 4 December (30/11/15)
There will be a quiz night in Randall’s on Friday 4th December. The quiz starts at 8pm, doors open 7.30. The bar will be open for drinks. The quiz costs £2 per head, with a maximum members of 5 members per team. If you don’t have a team, don’t worry come along and we will find you one. The quiz will be run by Scott Wheatley on behalf of the Supporters’ Club with all proceeds going towards paying for the teams travel costs on a matchday.
FA Trophy dreams hit Rocks on maiden voyage (28/11/15)
There will be no repeat of last season’s unforgettable FA Trophy adventure for City after they lost 1-0 to Bognor Regis Town in the 3rd Qualifying Round this afternoon. The game was decided by a stoppage time penalty kick after City had looked set to bring the Ryman League side back to Twerton Park for a replay, the least their performance deserved. After an early opening for the Rocks, City took control of the game but their failings in the final third of the pitch ultimately cost them dear. Andy Watkins was desperately unlucky to hit both posts in a goalmouth scramble then just past the half-hour mark he dispossessed Bognor keeper Smith, as he tried to shield the ball out of play, but could only shoot into the side netting from a narrow angle with Smith trying to pull the shirt of his back. Even after the break with the gusty wind favouring the hosts City still maintained the upper hand. Steve Phillips had to deny Pearce with a fingertip save on 51 minutes before Smith produced an equally good block from Dave Pratt seven minutes later. Watkins then saw another effort crash against the post which summed up City’s afternoon. Just when it looked as if a replay would be needed to decide the tie Charman drew a foul from Dan Ball and Prior made no mistake from 12 yards.
City sign Robins defender Jack Batten (26/11/15)
City have signed Bristol City centre-back Jack Batten on a month’s loan. The 19-year old will be available for selection for Saturday’s FA Trophy tie at Bognor Regis Town.
Bognor FA Trophy Admission Prices (26/11/15)
The admission prices for City’s FA Trophy clash at Bognor Regis Town on Saturday are as follows: Adults £10, Childern (U18) and Students (with valid ID) £3. There are no senior concessions.
Vanarama raises £10,150 for Prostate Cancer UK (25/11/15)
The UK’s largest van leasing broker, Vanarama has announced its fundraising total for Non-League Day 2015 in support of Prostate Cancer UK. Non-League Day aims to encourage fans to watch their local non-league club during the annual international break where many Premier League and Football League clubs’ players are on international duty. With the support of clubs, players and fans from the Vanarama National League and support from personalities such as Chris Waddle, Tubes from Soccer AM and comedian David Schneider, Vanarama launched #WearTheWig. The campaign called on the football community to don an orange wig for which Vanarama would donate for every picture posted to Twitter. The hugely successful campaign saw Vanarama partner with Prostate Cancer UK with support from The National League for a second year running.
On announcing the total raised, Andy Alderson, Managing Director of Vanarama said “Supporting great causes such as Prostate Cancer UK along with our other charities is important to everyone at Vanarama. The support from clubs, players and especially the fans has been amazing this year, once again proving that when the football family come together, amazing things are possible”.
On receiving the news of the fundraising total James Beeby, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK said “From clubs, players and fans from the grassroots game, National League and The Football League, to broadcast outlets such as BT Sport, so many people embraced the innovative #WearTheWig incentive on Non-League Day. That helped us raise money and awareness to combat a disease that affects one in eight men in the UK in their lifetime. Football is a wonderful way to reach out to men and their loved ones and this campaign is perfect example of what we call Men United – people joining together to fight a common opponent – prostate cancer. On behalf of all men affected by this disease I say thanks.”
Full details of the #WearTheWig campaign can be found at www.vanarama.co.uk/wearthewig including photos from the day. The presentation was covered live on BTSport at the Bromley vs Altrincham game on Saturday 14th November 2015 where Brand Director Steve Mark presented the cheque to Daniel Richards, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Prostate Cancer UK.
Yum Yum Thai offer for season ticket holders (23/11/15)
City season ticket holders can take advantage of another great offer, this time with local Thai restaurant Yum Yum Thai. Based in Kingsmead Square in the centre of the City they serve wonderful Thai food in light and relaxed surroundings and season tickets holders can now get 10% off main courses between Sunday and Thursday. The offer is valid for a maximum of a table of 4 and full details can be found by clicking here.
City pay the penalty for slow start again (21/11/15)
City endured another frustrating afternoon against Wealdstone as they dominated the game for long periods but ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline. Once again they got off to the worst possible start, conceding a penalty after just two minutes. Davies broke into the City box and despite minimal contact from Dan Ball he went to ground and the referee pointed to the spot from where Louis beat Steve Phillips via the inside of the post. Andy Watkins shot straight at keeper North as City looked to hit back immediately although it was the hosts who came closest to adding to the scoring, Lucien forcing a good save out of Phillips and Binns missing a great chance from a Hamblin nod down. City nearly equalised late in the half, Jack Smith slicing an Andy Gallinagh cross wide, and when Ben Adelsbury saw an effort fly just off target five minutes after the restart the balance of the game had shifted in favour of the Romans. However, for all their possession clear-cut chances were few and far between, the best falling to Dave Pratt on 75 minutes only for his header from six yards out to fail to test North. And City were punished with a few minutes left on the clock as Ball collected a pass forward, despite coming back from an offside position and the ball being out of play, to set up Hudson-Odoi. Although Phillips saved his shot the rebound fell to Ball for a simple tap-in to condemn City to another disappointing away trip, their last league victory on the road coming back on August 22.
Great West Programme Fair at Twerton Park (19/11/15)
City are delighted that the Twerton Park has been selected as the venue for the third annual Great West Programme and Memorabilia Fair, which will be staged in Randall’s and Charlie’s on Sunday 22 November (10.30am–1.30pm). It will be the largest Fair in the West Country and South Wales for several years, with up to twelve stalls offering a wide range of programmes and memorabilia with stall-holders ranging from major dealers from Yorkshire, Lancashire, South Wales, London and the Home Counties to local collectors selling their surplus stocks. Organisers are hoping to attract a large number of collectors from throughout the region. Some are known to be coming from as far afield as Preston, Stafford, Worcester, Cardiff and London. Admission is only £1 for adults, under-16’s free. All adult patrons will be entered into a FREE raffle, with three prizes of a bottle of wine each (to be drawn at 12 noon). Anyone with any queries should contact the organiser, Gordon Bennett of Westward Programmes on 01752 773039 or email westwardprogs@gmail.com.
Armband auction and collection nets nearly £300 (18/11/15)
The National League recently joined forces with The Royal British Legion to raise awareness of their annual Poppy Appeal. Bath City’s skipper, Andy Gallinagh wore a specially produced one off captain’s armband for Saturday’s game Oxford City at Twerton Park. The armband carries the logos of the National League and The RBL Poppy and each of the 68 clubs captains in the National League also wore a similar armband on Saturday afternoon. Each club from the National League has auctioned the armband and on Saturday, after the game, the armband was presented to the winner of the “silent auction” that took place in the 10 days prior to the game.
Moore Stephens, a former shirt sponsor of Bath City FC, were the highest bidders and Rob Branch from Moore Stephens was presented with the armband after the game in exchange for the company’s generous donation of £100 to the Royal British Legion, which he handed over to Helen Cooke from the RBL.
Bath City fans also gave generously to a bucket collection for the RBI that took place at Twerton Park during half-time with £193.99 collected. The club would like to thank all those that made a bid in the “silent” auction” and to the fans who contributed to the bucket collection for this great cause.
Late Gate goal cancels out great Mohamed strike (17/11/15)
A goal three minutes from time denied City a deserved victory at Margate this evening, the Romans having to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw. Kaid Mohamed’s free-kick in first half stoppage time had given them the lead and they created a number of chances to extend this advantage after the interval. However, they failed to convert any and were made to pay when Goodman headed home in the 87th minute. Dave Pratt tested Gate keeper Bull early on and Mohamed, Frankie Artus, Pratt, again, and Andy Gallinagh also all had sights of goal. The home side also fashioned a number of openings without troubling Steve Phillips. Then with the game looking set to reach the break goalless Mohamed curled a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards to break the deadlock. City continued to dominate the game into the second half, Andy Watkins missing a great one-on-one chance, Bull saving well from Mohamed then the same player hitting the outside of the post when he should really have scored. Margate’s frustrations were clear when Moore was booked for diving in the box but they kept plugging away. It looked like City would hold on after Jolley somehow missed from a few yards after a mix up between Gallinagh and Phillips but Goodman’s header finally broke City’s resistance and Hunt’s late free-kick could have nicked it for the Kent side – which would have been an even greater injustice.
Bognor trip in FA Trophy and new signing (16/11/15)
City’s first FA Trophy tie since the heartbreaking semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat back in February will be against Bognor Regis Town following the 3rd Qualifying Round draw earlier today. City will travel to the title-chasing Ryman League Premier Division side on Saturday 28 November (ko 3.00pm).
And City have signed 18-year old central defender Jack Smith from Vanarama National League side Eastleigh. He will go into the squad for tomorrow’s long trip to Margate.
City have no answers in tough Oxford test (14/11/15)
City were very much second best at a rainy Twerton Park this afternoon, losing by three goals to one to a very impressive Oxford City side. It took the visitors just twelve minutes to strike, McDonaugh heading a Sterling-James free-kick past Steve Phillips. Despite the difficult conditions Oxford continued to pass the ball around confidently and on 28 minutes Phillips failed to hold Streling-James’ skidding shot to give Pond a simple tap-in. City managed to reach the interval without falling further behind but within five minutes of the restart Pifarre fired home a low shot from 25-yards to make it 3-0. Oxford understandably sat back after this and City did, at least, begin to create chances. Kaid Mohamed was denied by a fine block by keeper Walker after he could only parry Ben Adelsbury’s initial shot then fired over when well-placed. Matt Coupe had a scrambled effort cleared off the line before Nick McCootie finally grabbed a consolation goal two minutes into stoppage time, hooking the ball home from eight yards. There was still time for Coupe to see another effort blocked on the line but this couldn’t disguise that Oxford were far and away the best side City have faced this season and full value for their victory.
City will look to bounce back from the defeat when they make their longest away League trip of the season on Tuesday evening to face Margate (ko 7.45pm).
City Foundation lift Community Club award (13/11/15)
Congratulations to Pete Sellwood and his team at the Bath City FC Community Sports Foundation for their award of Community Club of the Year, presented at the Bath Chronicle Sports Awards 2015 held at Bath Racecourse on 11th November.
City slip up in Street County Cup defeat (10/11/15)
City exited the Somerset Premier Cup this evening in a 3-1 defeat to Street at Twerton Park. City’s starting line-up included Somerset County Cricket player Peter Trego but he hadn’t touched the ball before Hunt gave the Western League side a 2nd minute lead with a neat finish. City forced a fine save from Cobblers keeper Punchard and struck the post before Frankie Artus levelled from the penalty spot midway through the half after Andy Watkins was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. A much clearer penalty appeal was waved away by the referee on the stroke of half-time after Watkins was taken out by Begg but it was Street who regained the lead through on 63 minutes, Murray netting from close range. And in the 71st minute Herrod fired into the roof of the net to make it 3-1 to Street, a lead they comfortably defended much to the obvious joy of their vocal young fans and players at the final whistle.
City are back in Vanarama National League South action on Saturday when they face second place Oxford City at Twerton Park (ko 3pm).
Pratt brace in vain with Stortford defeat (7/11/15)
City missed the chance to climb back into the Vanarama National League South play-off places this afternoon, losing 3-2 to Bishop’s Stortford in a topsy-turvy match. The home side got off to a perfect start when a strong run and finish by Ferrier put them ahead on 6 minutes. Steve Phillips produced a great one handed save moments later but two quick goals turned the game in City’s favour. On 14 minutes Pratt got behind Stortford’s defence to fire past Lovelock then three minutes later good work by Kaid Mohamed saw him tee up Ben Adelsbury. Although he mis-hit his shot the ball was turned in by Pratt. The game continued to be an end to end affair and right on half-time a deflected shot by Buchanan meant the sides went into the break level. The second half was played in a similar manner with both sides creating chances but it was Stortford who grabbed the decisive goal with just 12 minutes remaining. City were unfortunate when Phillips produced a brilliant block from the intial shot but the rebound fell kindly for Ferrier to slide it home and deny the Romans a point that their performance at least deserved.
City mourn the passing of Rob Bullock (6/11/15)
It is with great sadness that the club announces the death of Groundsman, Rob Bullock. Rob had been bravely battling cancer for some time. He was a consummate professional with his pitch preparation and the fact that Bath City managed to fulfil their fixtures whatever the weather is testament to his diligence and expertise. He will be sorely missed by all at the club and our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this time.
Silent Auction for Poppy Appeal armband (4/11/15)
As announced last week (29/10) the National League have joined forces with The Royal British Legion to raise awareness of their annual Poppy Appeal. City’s skipper will be wearing a specially produced one off captain’s armband on Saturday 14 November, the date when Bath City play Oxford City at Twerton Park. The armband carries the logos of the National League and The RBL Poppy. Each club in the National League has then been asked to auction off their armband for the Poppy Appeal funds.
Bath City FC are running a ”silent auction” amongst businesses (and individuals may also take part) and the business or individual that offers the highest amount will be invited to the game against Oxford City on 14th November and presented with the armband after the game.
The closing date for the auction is Tuesday 10th November. This is a wonderful opportunity to secure a special memento whilst at the same time supporting the Royal British Legion.
Anyone who would like to make a bid for the armband can do so via info@bathcityfootballclub.co.uk or phone Bob Chester on 07786 092836. The closing date is 10 November.
The Royal British Legion will also be making a collection during the half-time interval of the Oxford City game.