Scott Tillson was sent off as Bath City were condemned to a disastrous defeat by Enterprise National League South relegation rivals Farnborough at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park on Tuesday 10th March.
Matt Bowman battles for Bath City during their defeat by relegation rivals Farnborough on Tuesday 10th March | Photo © Simon Howe
With the Romans going into the game in the final demotion spot and the Hampshire outfit one place above them, avoiding defeat was vital for both clubs.
But Tillson’s 89th-minute exit, for a second booking, paved the way for Boro bagging a 1-0 victory that heaped the pressure on City manager Darren Way.
The decisive goal came from the free-kick that followed Tillson’s departure.
The defensive midfielder had fouled Micah Anthony. And the ball came to the visiting substitute following the free-kick, Anthony firing past home keeper Harvey Wiles-Richards.
But the Romans had good chances to score.
In the eighth minute, a header from Matt Bowman was parried onto the bar by the guests’ debutant gloveman Joe Duncan, signed on loan from Bristol City.
Jack Batten slammed the ball off the angle of post and bar in the 54th minute. And 20 minutes later, a fine header from Kieran Parselle was thwarted by Duncan.
Way had recalled striker Scott Wilson from his loan spell with league rivals Weston-super-Mare – for whom he scored twice in 19 appearances – and he went straight into the Romans’ starting line-up for a match played before a crowd of 897.
Bath: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes (Jordan Alves, 68), Jack Batten, Kieran Parselle, Scott Wilson, Jordan Tillson, Luke Russe, Matt Bowman, Owen Windsor (Moses Alexander-Walker, 83), Jaiden Putman, Reubin Sheppard (Dan Greenslade, 68). Unused subs: Charlie Binns, Mitch Beardmore, Joel Sullivan, Luke Skinner.
The upshot of the defeat is the drop is looming large for Bath.
They are five points adrift of Farnborough but with two games in hand on their latest conquerors.
Directly above Boro are Salisbury, 10 points ahead of the Romans who have four games in hand on the Wiltshiremen.
Then come Hampton & Richmond Borough, 11 points ahead of Way’s side having played four more fixtures.
But as many managers, players and fans will confirm, points in the bag are far better than matches in hand.
Bath face two tough league ties over the next few days.
On Saturday 14th March they will host title-challengers Hornchurch at the Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park (3pm).
And on Tuesday 17th March, they will visit mid-table Horsham (7.45pm).
Discounted tickets for the clash with the Urchins – which has been designated Family Fun Day – are available here.
Tickets for the game in West Sussex can be purchased here.
Family Fun Day will see the Romans raise money for Bath City Farm.
The fun will begin at 1.30pm. Families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere as well as activities provided by the farm including children’s games and face painting.
There will be a raffle with prizes of a signed Romans shirt and a gift basket from the farm. And a stand will sell juice and cakes from the farm.
