Farnborough (1) 3 Bath City (0) 0 – Saturday 1 August 2026 – Ted Pearce Memorial Cup – Saunders Community Transport Stadium
Match Report by Andrew Kerslake
City’s final preseason friendly failed to go the way of the Romans with the performance as much as the scoreline probably being of concern to manager Scott Bartlett.
City began this game with a somewhat re-arranged defence which included Owen Windsor at left back. Ollie Tomlinson in the right back slot and Jack Batten and a trialist at the heart of the defence.
It might have been expected that Farnborough would have been a little disjointed as manager Spencer Day included the majority of his fifteen new signings in his squad. However, they portrayed a fluidity in their passing movement that frequently threatened the City goal. In addition, former Cardiff, Newport and Bristol Rovers striker Michael Douglas Reindorf, always look a threat.
City had a number of early scares which led to them conceding a goal as early as the twelfth minute. Down the Farnborough left Sam Barratt was given far too much space and taking advantage cut inside to easily beat Harvey Wiles-Richards at his near post.
With Farnborough constantly pressing in midfield City had few opportunities. The best attempt was a dipping shot from Enzio Boldrwijn, which nearly caught goalkeeper Lucas Thomas unawares in the Farnborough goal.
Little changed in the second half although City did bring on Matt Bowman to play in the right back position. Just five minutes after the interval Jack Batten charged across the goal area clearly tripping Sam Okoye in the process and Barratt doubled his total from the spot sending Wiles Richards the wrong way.
Farnborough’s afternoon was then complete when with fifteen minutes to go substitute Mason Bloomfield had an easy tap-in, for the home side’s third goal after a good flowing move down the left.
An afternoon that will leave much for manager Scott Bartlett to contemplate ahead of the season opener at Sholing next week.
Att: 541
City’s Line-Up: Wiles Richards, Reid, Batten, Boldwewijn (Parsons 80), S Wilson, D Wilson (Raynes 81), Trialist (Montgomery 75), Tillson Stirling 75), Tomlinson (Bowman HT), Streczen (Parselle 81). Sub not used: Horsell.
Scorers: City – none; Farnborough – Barratt (12, pen 50), Bloomfield (75)
Officials: not known