Young gloveman Isaac Finch made a “phenomenal” performance as Bath City bounced back from their 4-0 mauling by Maidenhead United to force a goal-less draw at Chesham United in Enterprise National League South on Saturday 6th September.
Bath City substitute Alex Fisher looks for a way through against Chesham United | Photo © Simon Howe
Finch – signed on loan from Bristol City to resolve the Romans’ keeper crisis following the dismissals of Harvey Wiles-Richards and Martin Horsell the previous weekend – made his debut for Darren Way’s side in Buckinghamshire.
And 6ft 4in Finch played a starring role that earned him a place in the Enterprise National League South Team of the Week.
Good opportunities at The Meadow were at a premium, but 18-year-old Finch made a fine first-half save with his feet to deny the Generals’ Nathan Minhas.
City’s best chance of the opening period fell to Brad Ash, whose shot took a deflection off a home defender and went narrowly wide.
The hosts’ Mitchell Weiss fired into the side netting early in the second half.
The Romans’ Scott Wilson is marked closely during the clash with Chesham United at The Meadow | Photo © Simon Howe
But Bath’s Alex Fisher soon found himself in a good position, only for Chesham custodian Ben Goode to snatch the ball off his feet.
The stalemate ensured the Romans rose one place to 17th in National League South, with nine points from eight games.
City boss Way said: “Off the back of the performance against Maidenhead, the first thing we needed to make sure today was that we were strong behind the ball.
“Clean sheet, 18-year-old Isaac in goal, I thought he was phenomenal. He showed such a good pitch personality for someone of such a young age, made a good save early on, kicked very well.
Bath City’s Dan Greenslade takes to the air against Chesham United. Brad Ash, number 11, is in support | Photo © Simon Howe
“In terms of going forward with the ball from an attacking point of view we just lacked a little bit of quality, the pitch was slow, and we need to work on that.
“This team, when it’s at its best, is really strong defensively.
“We need to take responsibility at the top end of the pitch to allow us to be more competitive in the final third.
“I want to give this squad at least 10 or 15 games before we start making changes or bring in reinforcements. But the players are giving absolutely everything and I can’t thank them enough for that.
“I’ve been pleased with what the lads have produced so far [this season] because it’s been such a hard run-in for the players physically and mentally against good teams.”
Bath starting XI: Finch, Raynes, Greenslade, Tomlinson, Batten, Parselle, Jenkins Davies, Wilson, Ash, Tillson, Russe.
The Romans will travel to East Dorset on Saturday 13th September to commence their Emirates FA Cup campaign.
They will face Wimborne Town, from Pitching In Southern League Premier South, at The Wyatt Homes Stadium in the second qualifying round (3pm).
For tickets, click here.
