Bath City came from behind to secure a crucial victory over fellow relegation battlers Slough Town at Arbour Park on Tuesday 4th November.
Bath City could face former England and Liverpool star Andy Carroll when they take on Dagenham & Redbridge at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park | Photo © Richard Briggs
The Romans went into the match just one point ahead of the Enterprise National League South drop zone – but they ended it four points clear, having risen to 18th place in the table thanks to a 3-2 victory.
Slough, who began the evening a point behind their visitors, took the lead in the 13th minute. New signing Luke Holness and Jared Myers combined to set up Wiktor Makowski, who beat City gloveman Harvey Wiles-Richards with a low drive.
But, watched by a crowd of 451, Darren Way’s team stormed back to go 3-1 up before Myers struck for the Berkshire side with 20 minutes left.
Indeed City started the brighter of the two sides, Will Jenkins Davies heading into the side netting, but they fell behind to Makowski’s goal.
Town went on to dominate the first half. But Bath looked good on the counter and they equalised just before the interval – with a cracking goal. In the third minute of injury-time, Will Jenkins Davies curled a 30-yard free-kick around the Slough wall and beyond keeper Adam Desbois.
The second period was only three minutes old when the Romans went 2-1 ahead. Following a corner, Ollie Tomlinson headed the ball back across goal and Jake Tabor nodded home. It was the Swindon Town loanee’s first goal for City.
Bath were now well on top and it came as no surprise when they extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Tabor battled for the ball in the box – and it ran to Brad Ash, who make no mistake.
However, the Rebels reduced the arrears when a 25-yarder from Myers squeezed under Wiles-Richards.
The strike inspired the home side and they almost levelled matters in the 88th minute, Wiles-Richards thwarting a shot from England C international Johnny Goddard and Kieran Parselle almost clearing the loose ball into the City net.
Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes, Ollie Tomlinson, Jack Batten, Kieran Parselle, Will Jenkins Davies, Jake Tabor (Scott Wilson, 90), Brad Ash, Jordan Tillson, Mitch Beardmore (Jordan Alves, 82), Luke Russe (Matt Bowman, 88). Unused subs: Charlie Binns, Louis Sweeten, Owen Windsor, Manny Yeboah.
The Romans will play two home matches in the league over the next week.
On Saturday 8th November, Dagenham & Redbridge – who were in League One in 2011 and have former England and Liverpool star Andy Carroll in their ranks – will come to the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (3pm).
Carroll, 36, scored for the Daggers in their 2-1 success at Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday 4th November – and his possible presence in the East London outfit’s matchday squad in Twerton is sure to add to this weekend’s crowd.
Discounted tickets for the clash with Dagenham are available here.
And on Tuesday 11th November, the opposition in Twerton will be provided by Tonbridge Angels (7.45pm).
You can purchase discounted tickets for the game with Tonbridge here.
