Wilson magic gets New Year off to a bang

A moment of quality from Scott Wilson and a third successive clean sheet saw City open 2025 in winning style against Farnborough at Twerton Park this afternoon. The play-off chasing visitors enjoyed the majority of possession, particularly during the first half, but were kept out superbly by the Romans to head back to Hampshire empty-handed.

Farnborough made light work of the difficult playing conditions from the first whistle, passing the ball around well and looking a regular threat. However, their finishing failed to match the build-up play. Despite creating a number of openings they only once troubled Harvey Wiles-Richards when he turned Pruti’s 23rd minute shot away. So, it was very much against the run of play when City went ahead on 25 minutes when Luke Russe’s pass sent Wilson racing clear. He still had plenty to do but sent a stunning shot with the outside of his right foot high past Turner into the net. Boro continued to press forward after this setback, Jordan Tillson blocking Matthews-Lewis shot then the impressive Kuhl striking a post with Wiles-Richards beaten three minutes before the break.

The second half continued in a similar manner but Farnborough were struggling to fashion any further clear-cut openings as City continued to stand firm. Their best chance came from a poor Wiles-Richards clearance on 74 minutes but Kasimu’s eventual shot was easily gathered by the relieved keeper. With Farnborough throwing more men forward in search of an equaliser, chances began to fall for City and it needed a great block by Bateson to deny Brad Ash with 10 minutes left. Six minutes later it took a stunning save from Wiles-Richards, tipping Matthews-Lewis’ shot around the post, to preserve City’s lead. This turned out to be a final scare for City and Ash was unlucky not to double their lead when his 96th minute shot crashed against the bar, Micah Anthony seeing his follow up blocked on the line. Moments later the final whistle blew and new manager Darren Way made it two win out of two in his fledgling Twerton Park career.