Lowly Bath City shocked Enterprise National League South leaders Worthing by recording a stunning 3-2 victory at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Saturday 24th January.
Bath City’s Will Jenkins Davies is joined by Matt Bowman as he celebrates with fans after scoring his second goal against Worthing on Saturday 24th January | Photo © Simon Howe
While the result cost the West Sussex outfit top spot, Hornchurch taking advantage to move into pole position, the Romans remain in 19th place – but morale and their battle against the drop took a big boost with three points against the odds.
With Bath’s Brad Ash and Owen Windsor out, Will Jenkins Davies was moved up front – and his efforts, which brought him two goals, delighted City boss Darren Way.
The hosts, who drew at Worthing on the opening day of the league campaign, took the lead in the fourth minute. Jordan Alves was fouled on the edge of the box by Toby Byron and the referee awarded a penalty which was put away by Jenkins Davies.
Matt Bowman lashes in his first goal for Bath City – against Worthing in Enterprise National League South on Saturday 24th January | Photo © Simon Howe
However, Bath lost Harvey Wiles-Richards in the 32nd minute. The keeper went off injured after being the victim of a late challenge by Teddy Jenks eight minutes earlier. Wiles-Richards was replaced by Charlie Binns.
But the Romans were soon two goals to the good, to the delight of the majority of the 1,041-strong crowd.
A slip Worthing’s Odei Martin Sorondo gave possession to Matt Bowman and he fired past gloveman Josh Jeffries from 12 yards to record his first goal for City.
The visitors reduced the arrears in the 71st minute when Jenks buried the loose ball from close range after Binns was unable to claim a cross from Shiloh Remy.
Jaiden Putman leads Bath City’s celebrations after their tremendous victory over Worthing at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park | Photo © Simon Howe
But Bath restored their two-goal cushion in the 87th minute. Substitute Alex Fisher chased on to a ball forward from Jaiden Putman and knocked it into the box where Jenkins Davies banged it past Jeffries.
The Rebels scored their second goal in injury-time, Ollie Godziemski heading home. But the referee blew his whistle for full-time straight after the resumption.
Way said of the win: “Extremely pleased. I thought going into the game it was really important that we tactically got it right.
“From a personnel point of view we had a few problems going into the game – Owen Windsor, then we had Brad Ash – so we had to adjust, brought in Reubin [Sheppard] who I thought did very well considering it was his [starting] debut.
“Jaiden Putman did really well at right-back so I was really pleased with his performance.
“To deal with those tactical changes and then put in a performance like the players did, you have to give credit to them because they executed the game plan really well.
“The goals were extremely well worked.
“The third one, I would say it’s probably the best well-worked goal, other than Jordan’s individual free-kick, that I’ve seen since I’ve been at the club.
“I’ve worked with Will for five years and I’ve never played him up front [until today]. I thought he did really well and took the role and responsibility on.
“But I have to credit the whole team because you don’t play against top of the league and get a result like we did if it’s not a ‘we’ team.
“Everyone had to work hard, everyone had to ensure that the press was well structured. It’s a good result for the club.”
Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards (Charlie Binns, 32), Dan Greenslade, Jack Batten, Kieran Parselle, Jordan Alves (Mitch Beardmore, 89), Will Jenkins Davies, Jordan Tillson, Luke Russe, Matt Bowman (Louis Sweeten, 90), Jaiden Putman, Reubin Sheppard (Alex Fisher, 75). Unused subs: Owen Pritchard, Zion Thompson.
The Romans will be in action again tomorrow, Tuesday 27th January, when they take on Slough Town in a league match at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (7.45pm).
Tickets are available here.
City’s postponed Francis Hillier Premier Cup quarter-final tie at home to Jewson Western League Premier Division club Street has been rearranged for Saturday 31st January (3pm).
Tickets can be purchased here.
