Bath City (0) 0 Chelmsford City (0) 1 – Saturday 20 September 2025
Enterprise National League South – Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park
Match Report by Georgina Morse.
Bath City marked their 100th meeting with Chelmsford City but were left frustrated as a second-half penalty converted by Lyle Taylor proved the difference in a tightly contested clash at Twerton Park. Despite a strong start, the Romans were edged out 1–0, leaving them to rue missed opportunities and a decisive defensive lapse.
The game began with City asserting themselves. Within the opening five minutes, Luke Russe had the first chance, striking from the edge of the box. The Clarets goalkeeper Dillon Addai reacted sharply, tipping the effort over the bar to deny the midfielder. The Romans looked buoyed by that opening, pressing high and keeping Chelmsford City pinned back in the early stages.
The visitors, however, showed their threat on the counter. Kai Corbett led a swift break forward, carrying the ball at pace before switching play to Jack Barham. The striker bent a curling effort towards goal that narrowly missed the target — a reminder of their danger in transition.
City continued to ask questions. A long delivery from Jack Matthews led to a deep throw-in, launched into the box by Joe Raynes. The subsequent corner found Kieran Parselle, whose header drifted agonisingly wide. Soon after, Mitch Beardmore won a free-kick on the edge of the area after being brought down by Taylor. Beardmore took responsibility, but his strike fell straight to Addai.
The physical edge of the contest was underlined when Jordan Tillson went in late on Harry Barbrook, prompting a warning from the referee. Ricky Holmes then twice found space in promising areas but could not keep his efforts down, both flying over the bar.
As the half wore on, the Romans came closest to opening the scoring in the 38th minute. Jenkins Davies struck at close range from a corner kick from Brad Ash, his shot being excellently tipped onto the crossbar by Addai who was also able to claim the rebound in a crowded six-yard box. It was City’s best chance of the half, but Addai was able to keep the Clarets level. The half ended goalless, with both sides struggling for fluency.
After the interval, the Clarets looked sharper. A flick-on that City failed to clear allowed Taylor a clear opportunity to run at goal, forcing Harvey Wiles-Richards into a strong save to keep the scores level. Moments later, City’s defensive discipline wavered. Jack Batten brought Taylor down inside the box, with the referee pointing to the spot. Taylor stepped up in the 55th minute to bury his effort into the bottom right corner. Wiles-Richards guessed correctly but could not reach it, giving Chelmsford a crucial lead.
City pushed for a response, but their momentum was disrupted by further fouls and yellow cards. Russe entered the referee’s book after halting a Chelmsford City break, while Darren Way turned to his bench for reinforcements. Beardmore was replaced by Jordan Alves and Jake Tabor made his debut.
The pattern of play became increasingly fragmented. Jenkins Davies was booked for a late challenge on Holmes, while Batten followed him into the book after another mistimed tackle.
In the closing stages, the Romans continued to search for a way back. Their best opportunity late on fell to substitute Alves who took a shot from 30 yards out, but his effort sailed just over the bar. Chelmsford held firm to secure the win, leaving Bath City empty-handed despite their early promise.
Att: 1094
City’s Line-Up: Wiles-Richards, Raynes, Batten, Parselle (c), Jenkins Davies, Wilson (Tabor 65), Ash, Tillson, Beardmore (Alves 65), Matthews, Russe (Fisher 86). Subs not used: Tomlinson, Horsell, Sweeten.
Scorers: City – none; Chelmsfore – Taylor (pen 56)
City Bookings: Ash (54), Russe (58), Jenkins Davies (80), Batten (83)
Officials: B Scaife, B Williamson, M Eva, B Walker (4th)