Goals galore as Bath and Hartlepool draw

Hartlepool United 3 - 3 Bath City (FA Cup 1st Rnd)

As fans left Victoria Park they will no doubt have agreed that neither team deserved to lose this game.

In an enthralling match which saw both sides throw caution to the wind, it was football which was ultimately the winner.

Striker Billy Paynter gave Bath the lead with a powerful close range effort in the 29th minute. Striker Adam Boyd then equalised for Hartlepool in the 44th minute with a powerful effort. An error from Christopher Ramsey allowed striker James Brown to score a diving header from within the six-yard box.

Full-back Jared Hodgkiss then equalised for Bath in the 77th minute with a real poacher's effort. Veteran striker Clyde Wijnhard then put the away side in front after 82 minutes with a well timed close range finish.

The Bath fans might have hoped that Wijnhard had scored the winner but it was not to be. With Hartlepool staring at defeat, there was controversy as Boyd then had a penalty shout turned down.

With Bath already beginning to celebrate, striker Adam Boyd scored a powerful effort from the edge of the area in injury-time to snatch the equaliser for Hartlepool. Better late than never for Hartlepool and the fans were clearly delighted with Boyd's impact.

Attendance: 3596

After cruising past Dag & Red in the FA Cup qualifier, we were hoping to be drawn against a lower team, or a home game against a larger team from div1. We got nothing; drawn away to Hartlepool.

Went in with hopes of an early goal to fit into the countering strategy we've been working on, and Paynter delivered on queue. From then on the game opened up and there were chances raining down from everywhere. They finally draw level and then go ahead through a Brown's header. Up until that moment he'd been playing out of sorts so maybe the comments about him being the main threat had put him off.

We get a lot of open space in their half when we get the ball, but nothing's going in. Finally a run down the left from Kouman opened up the field. Pressured into the corner he managed to turn it back to the top of the square where Murray kept it going to Hodgekiss. A neat channel opened up in front of Jared and he powered it into the opposite corner of the net. We're level. Happy.

Hartlepoool pull out the stops, but it opens up their defense even more and another blazing Kouman run down the left is matched by 5 red shirts running for the box. Kouman picked out Paynter with the cross inside the box, who deftly passed it off to Wijnhaard right in front to score! 3-2! 5 minutes to go! COME ON BOYS!

We're hunkered down hard, but an amazing blast from Boyd pierces through from 30 yards with under a minute to go. It finishes a tie at 3 all, but we're happy enough and the fans on both sides were buzzing.

Blue Square Premier Goal of the Month

The results of the goal award are as follows:

1st: Clyde Wijnhard - Bath (v Wrexham, September 17th)
Top quality strike from City striker Wijnhard as he scores a long range effort.

2nd: Adam Birchall - Dover (v Crawley, September 24th)
Lovely goal from Whites striker Birchall as he scores a curling shot from the edge of the area.

3rd: Ryan Hall - Bromley (v Kidderminster, September 24th)
Lilywhites left midfielder Hall shows his class by scoring a powerful effort.

I'd like to have that one for the showreel.

Ramsey cleared from the back and picked out Wijnhard on the run. Wijnhard chested down the ball in the middle of 4 defenders and half-volleyed it into the top corner from 30 yards out. That's a counter!

Bowes praised for Barrow victory

Bath City assistant manager John Morling has praised manager Tony Bowes for turning things around during Bath's 2 - 1 Blue Square Premier victory over Barrow.

Morling revealed that words were needed with Bath losing at half-time and Bowes did what was necessary to overturn the deficit.

As I mentioned, this was NOT one to lose. We were playing Ok, but I wasn't going to lose to a goal like that. Let the boys know that they needed to pull their finger out in the 2nd half and tackle everything in sight. I don't care that we're the only ones with a mid-week match, we NEED this one. Team came out firing and I'm glad we got the result.

Bowes reaches 100 games in management

Current manager Tony Bowes will celebrate his 100th game in football management when his Bath City team play Barrow in the Blue Square Premier on Tuesday.

With Bath playing steadily in the league, Bowes will want to ensure that his players don't pay the landmark too much attention and turn their thoughts to the game itself.

A little over 2 years in the game to get to this milestone. I have a dream to take this team to the top, so I'm wondering how many gammes I'll have celebrated when that happens?

Team started off well, but a recent cluster of draws has us bottom-mid position with a game in hand. Always had a soft spot for Barrow, so i've been firing up the boys to make this game a memorable one.

Classy Guy on form for Bath

A comfortable win for Bath City saw Lewis Guy named man of the match after Bath's 3 - 1 Blue Square Premier victory over Bromley this afternoon.

Guy had the quality to put the Bromley defence to the sword and finished the match with two goals.

Guy is a new signing at Twerton Park, having joined from recently relegated Doncaster in June.

Continuing on from his annihilating form against Glen Hoddle Academy, Lewis had a part in all the goals to stamp his mark on the team already. I feel confident that this season we're going to be promotion contenders.

Bath show themselves as force to be reckoned with

Bath City 11 - 0 Glenn Hoddle Academy (Friendly)

Bath City looked a class apart as they overwhelmed Glenn Hoddle Academy 11 - 0 at Twerton Park. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Bath's Billy Paynter.

Striker Billy Paynter got Bath off to a flyer by scoring a well timed close range finish on 6 minutes. Paynter doubled Bath's lead with a placed shot from close range on 11 minutes. When Mora gave away a penalty, Carlisle confidently stepped up to score from the spot.

Striker Lewis Guy then added to the lead with a real poacher's effort on 20 minutes. When Santiago gave away a penalty, Paynter confidently stepped up to score from the spot. Guy added another with a placed shot in the 40th minute.

Guy added his 3rd goal of the game with a fine header from point-blank range on 56 minutes. Edwards scored with a placed shot from close range which hit the inside of the post before crossing the line in the 66th minute to extend the lead further. Gray had no trouble in scoring from the spot when Romera conceded a penalty.

Gray added another with a powerful header in the 82nd minute. Gray was able to keep his composure to score from the spot after Ezequiel gave away a penalty.

Attendance: 208

We were approached by Spain's Glen Hoddle Academy for a friendly through the pre-season, and although I had already arranged matches at that time, I thought it would be a good way to scout out and expose the team to some spanish flair. Lewis was the standout with 3 early assists that could have easily beeen goals for himself. Either way, 11-0 is an awesome confidence builder right before the season gets underway.

Bath delight at 'unexpected' promotion

The City board have announced to the press that they are extremely pleased that the team have secured promotion from the Blue Square South.

In a brief statement, a spokesperson for the board declared that promotion had not been on the cards at the start of the season and the board wanted to put on record their gratitude to manager Tony Bowes for delivering the unthinkable.

Bath City 2 - 1 Braintree Town (Blue Square South Playoff Final)

Bath City battled to a deserved 2 - 1 (won after extra time) victory over Braintree Town on a fine summer's afternoon in their Blue Square South Playoff Final game at The Kassam Stadium.

Young striker Stefan Connor gave Braintree the lead with a powerful effort in the 20th minute. Braintree's Adam Bailey-Dennis received the red card for a professional foul with 45 minutes on the clock.

Midfielder Amadou Kouman then equalised for Bath in the 90th minute with an effort from the edge of the area. Better late than never for Bath and the fans were clearly delighted with Kouman's impact.

Then followed controversy as Braintree were denied claims by Connor for a penalty. Striker Billy Paynter then clinched a late winner for the home side on 116 minutes with a powerful close range effort.

Paynter's impact delighted the fans with his late goal.

Attendance: 2862

Tight old game, even with a 10-man Braintree. Finally got the breakthrough in extra time to seal the win and claim promotion. Paynter contributed again, a wonderful signing.

Overall the season went well. I thought that this season we were always going to be in with a shot, but it took a late charge in the dying stages to keep us there. Finished with a 15 match unbeaten run that has left the club atmosphere sky high.

Signed up for next year with a slight pay rise. Possibly should have waited until the promotion to push for more, but I'm happy to keep these guys going for a few more seasons. 27 signings to date and another cleansing of the reserves coming up to keep us under budget.

Amadou Kouman went on to pick up Player of the Season. He's been awesome as an attacking midfielder just inside the front two. He finished with 28 goals and 22 assists from 49 appearances and always seemed dangerous with the ball. The position also helped break down the standard 442 defence with many chances created due to the central defenders not being able to him and the two strikers at once.

Bath set new gate receipts high

Bath's gate receipts of £28K from the game against Bishop's Stortford in the Blue Square South Playoff Semi Final are higher than ever before and has set a new club record.

The previous record gate receipts taken from a game was £20K, set against Forest Green in the English FA Cup First Round.

Great win, and delighted that the fans turned out in force to see us go through to the playoff finals. It was also a club record for attendance, up from 1067 to 2674.

Another 5 bagger

Bath City 5 - 3 Bishop's Stortford (Blue Square South Playoff Semi Final)

Bath City ensured an early start to manager Tony Bowes' birthday celebrations as they beat Bishop's Stortford 5 - 3 at Twerton Park. A brace from Wayne Gray helped Bath to victory.

Midfielder Amadou Kouman got Bath off to a flyer by scoring a powerful close range effort on 2 minutes. Striker Lewis Smith then equalised for Bishop's Stortford in the 8th minute with a powerful effort.

Striker Charlie Sheringham then put the away side in front after 17 minutes with a placed shot. Striker Wayne Gray then equalised for Bath in the 32nd minute with a placed shot.

Gray then added his 2nd goal of the game with a well timed close range finish on 39 minutes. Sweeper Sam Stockley had a chance to score from the penalty spot for The Blues on the 67 minute mark but missed his spot-kick.

Bishop's Stortford's Tyrone Berry however made the Bishop's Stortford fans forget the miss by scoring a close range header shortly after. Striker Billy Paynter put the home side in front in the 77th minute with a placed shot.

Experienced winger Florin Pelecaci completed the scoring for Bath with a curling shot from the edge of the area on 84 minutes.

Bath therefore win 10 - 5 on aggregate.

Attendance: 2674

A great crowd on hand to witness another goal-fest. Subbed out Letheren as we didn't need to leak goals at the back, but great finishing to everyone up front put the match beyond doubt. I was considering subbing our Pelecaci as he looked a little puffed, but then he netted a cracking shot from outside the box to bring a smile to my face. Happy Birthday Bowesy!

Quality of possession provides victory: 5-2

Bishop's Stortford 2 - 5 Bath City (Blue Square South Playoff Semi Final)

An efficient performance from Bath saw them run out 5 - 2 winners over Bishop's Stortford at Woodside Park. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb hat-trick from Bath's Billy Paynter.

Striker Lewis Smith got Bishop's Stortford off to a flyer by scoring a real poacher's effort on 5 minutes. Bath also saw their 26th minute strike questionably chalked off.

Striker Charlie Sheringham doubled Bishop's Stortford's lead with a placed shot on 35 minutes. Striker Billy Paynter then managed to pull one back for Bath after 37 minutes with a powerful close range effort which hit the inside of the post before hitting the back of the net.

Things turned sour for Bishop's Stortford when midfielder Jamie Hand earned himself an early bath for persistent fouling on 55 minutes. Paynter then equalised for Bath after 56 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area.

Journeyman striker Clyde Wijnhard then put the away side in front after 66 minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the area. Midfielder Amadou Kouman went on to add to the lead with a well timed close range finish on 87 minutes.

Paynter completed the rout with a thumping header on 90 minutes.

Attendance: 1672

New signing Paynter didn't waste any time introducing himself to the fans by bagging a hattrick on debut. We've lacked a good, strong header up front and I'm glad he poked one in off a cross. 2 more individual efforts made him look good up front. I was a little concerned his lack of gameplay would catch him out, but he's dropped into the squad nicely. Efe has been complaining about his place in the team; now it looks all but gone.

Goals galore as Bath and Weston-super-Mare draw

Weston-super-Mare 3 - 3 Bath City (Blue Square South)

As fans left Woodspring Park they will no doubt have agreed that neither team deserved to lose this game.

In an enthralling match which saw both sides throw caution to the wind, it was football which was ultimately the winner.

Bath finally took the lead when striker Wayne Gray scored a powerful effort on 57 minutes. Striker Josh Llewellyn then equalised for Weston-super-Mare in the 67th minute with a placed shot.

Experienced striker Marc McGregor put the home side in front in the 75th minute with a well timed close range finish. Bath's equaliser came through Amadou Kouman as he seized on Clayton Fortune's mistake to score a real poacher's effort. McGregor then added his 2nd goal of the game with a close range header on 84 minutes.

The Weston-super-Mare fans might have hoped that McGregor had scored the winner but it was not to be. Bath's equaliser came through Jason Mycoe as he seized on Tony Bedeau's mistake to score a placed shot. Better late than never for Bath and the fans were clearly delighted with Mycoe's impact.

Attendance: 509

We picked up a solid 1-0 win over Braintree to place us in 2nd, but Chelmsford still claimed a victory to keep them one point ahead. Going into the Weston-super-Mare game we needed Chelmsford to falter as well as peg a win for ourselves. Into the 2nd half we were relatively comfortable at 1-0 up, but 2 quickfire goals had us on full press to net some more ourselves. In the end a flurry of goals provided a great spectacle, but the 3-3 result meant our only hope was Chelmsford losing against Woking at home. It was not to be as they thumped in 3-0 to take the title.


Luckily Braintree and Salisbury both tied too, so we ended up 2nd overall. Not that it matters too much, making he playoff is enough to have a shot at promotion. Hopefully the finals campaign can help the bank balance.

Vintage display ensures Bath victory

Bath City 2 - 1 Salisbury City (Blue Square South)

Bath City taught Salisbury City a lesson at Twerton Park this afternoon. A brace from Paul Murray helped Bath to victory.

Midfielder Craig Rocastle got Salisbury off to a flyer by scoring a powerful effort from the edge of the area on 7 minutes. Journeyman midfielder Paul Murray then equalised for Bath in the 27th minute with a long range curling shot.

Murray scored what proved to be the winner for the home side in the 53rd minute with a screamer from the edge of the area. With Salisbury staring at defeat, there was controversy as full-back Christopher Wylie then had a penalty shout turned down.

Attendance: 1067

First of the double-header out of the way with a decent showing at home. This puts us 3rd, and only a point behind Chelmsford and Braintree. We should leapfrog Braintree too if we win against them in a couple of days' time. Chelmsford could still stay ahead though. We need them to lose or draw at least one game out of the remaining two to claim the title.

Bath in control as Sports are brushed aside

Eastbourne Borough 2 - 3 Bath City (Blue Square South)

Bath City battled to a deserved 3 - 2 victory over Eastbourne Borough on a fine spring afternoon in their Blue Square South game at Priory Lane.

Striker Wayne Gray gave Bath the lead with a powerful effort from the edge of the area in the 29th minute. Journeyman striker Clyde Wijnhard doubled Bath's lead with a well executed finish on 40 minutes.

Kouman scored with a powerful close range effort in the 50th minute to extend the lead further. Striker Andy Atkin pulled one back for Eastbourne Boro after 51 minutes with a placed shot.

Gray then had a chance to score from the penalty spot on the 54 minute mark but missed his spot-kick. Then followed controversy as Bath were denied claims by midfielder Chris Allen for a penalty. An error from Matthew Carlisle allowed striker Jamie Taylor to score a powerful effort.

Attendance: 480

One down, 4 to go. Both Chelmsford and Braintree won their home games 1-0, but Salisbury tied up there match to fall within 2 points of us.

Another away game before the big home double header vs Braintree and Salisbury.

Bath edge out opponents in close encounter

Bath City 2 - 1 Chelmsford City (Blue Square South)

Bath City won a hard fought battle against Chelmsford City on a fine spring afternoon at Twerton Park.

An error from Craig Holloway allowed midfielder Amadou Kouman to score a well timed close range finish. Striker Ian Armstrong then equalised for Chelmsford in the 27th minute with a placed shot.

Experienced winger Florin Pelecaci scored what proved to be the winner for the home side on 46 minutes with a placed shot.

Attendance: 602

Things are tightening up at the top now! This was a must-win game for us to keep our title hopes alive. We were 7 points in arrears of Chelmsford who have fallen off their early season pace, but still have the potential to win all the games remaining. Now that we've got one over them we're only 4 points away from the top and Chelmsford, Braintree and Salisbury are all equal on 77 points.


5 more games to go for the season and 2 of them are home games against Braintree and Salisbury. More must-win games, but I'm glad they are at home. This is going to be an exciting run to the finish!

Chelmsford grab deserved win

Chelmsford City 1 - 0 Bath City (FA Trophy 2nd Rnd)

A fine afternoon at Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre saw Chelmsford City come out on top against a surprisingly lacklustre Bath City side.

The first noteworthy incident of the match proved to be controversial, with Chelmsford seeing a goal disallowed. Chelmsford finally took the lead when striker Ian Armstrong scored a placed shot on 57 minutes.

The match was remarkable for the number of fouls committed by Bath, who seemed more concerned with disrupting the flow of the game than playing it.

Attendance: 788

Not sure about a surprisingly lacklustre Bath team as we had just played 4 games in 7 days. I would have liked to have prepared a bit more for this one, but hoped a draw would bring the tie home for a real go at it. First half went to plan, but after we went down a goal we didn't have anything in the tank to chase it.