Summer signing Will Jenkins Davies struck to hand Bath City their first victory of the Enterprise National League South season.
Bath City goalscorer Will Jenkins Davies, left, and manager Darren Way were delighted with the win over Salisbury | Photos © Simon Howe
The 20-year-old, who has played for Plymouth Argyle in EFL League One, netted at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium on Tuesday 19th August to earn the Romans a 1-0 success against Salisbury.
City’s win left them in 12th place in the table, with four points from three outings. The hosts’ defeat was their first loss of the league campaign.
Midfielder Jenkins Davies twice went close early on. But he broke the deadlock five minutes before the break, accelerating into the box and firing past the hosts’ former Bath keeper Will Buse from 12 yards following great tenacity from Brad Ash to dispossess Taylor Foran on the left and start the raid.
Ash could have made it 2-0 in the 71st minute, but his shot flew narrowly wide.
Salisbury’s best opportunities came in the closing stages.
City custodian Harvey Wiles-Richards blocked superbly to deny substitute Noah Coppin after 79 minutes.
And in injury-time, Buse almost became the unlikely hero for Salisbury. He joined the attack for a corner and the ball fell to him two yards out. But he blazed over the bar.
The win demonstrated the Romans’ bouncebackability following their home setback against Dover Athletic on Saturday 16th August. And manager Darren Way was delighted with the three points.
Way said: “I’m really pleased with the character that we showed throughout.
“We set the players up with a game plan – I thought they executed it really well.
“Salisbury played some good football. They can hurt you if you give players time and space.
“But our goal was so well-worked and organised behind the ball. It was exactly what we said would happen – it happened here last year where we hit them on the counter-attack – and it was an excellent finish from Will Jenkins Davies.
“It was quite comfortable apart from the last 20 minutes of the game. The group had a mentality to keep a clean sheet and showed an amazing amount of resilience.
“It felt a little bit like a derby feel. We brought a lot of supporters who made a lot of noise, so I really appreciate their efforts coming.”
Jenkins Davies, who played for Wales at under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels, said: “Good to get my first goal. Had a few opportunities in the previous games and I wanted to get the ball rolling and start good tonight.
“Pleased with the goal but most importantly the three points.
“The fans were great tonight – we owed it to them after Saturday a little bit.”
Bath starting XI: Wiles-Richards, Raynes, Greenslade, Tomlinson, Batten, Parselle, Jenkins Davies, Ash, Fisher, Tillson, Russe.
City will play two league matches over the bank holiday weekend.
On Saturday 23rd August, they will host Eastbourne United at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (3pm). Discounted tickets are available here.
And on Monday 25th August, the Romans will visit table-toppers Ebbsfleet United (3pm). Tickets are available here.
