Next Match – Hungerford Town – Away

City are back in action this weekend as they make the trip to Hungerford looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat at Welling United.

Whilst the result moved them further away from the play-off places, a victory on the road will put them firmly back in the hunt for seventh position. They presently sit five points behind with six matches remaining.

Meanwhile, City’s opponents lie in the relegation zone, desperate for a win which will put them just two points behind Cheshunt, who see themselves just outside, although they have games in hand on most of the sides above them.

They are also entering this fixture on the back of defeat, having fallen 4-3 at Tonbridge after taking the lead within 10 minutes. Having been down 4-1 with 15 minutes to go, they almost staged an improbable comeback with two goals in as many minutes through substitute Great Evans, and although they were unable to finish the job, they will hope to bring that momentum into this weekend.

Nevertheless, the Romans should come into this game with confidence, despite the last league loss which was the first in eight away games. In all competitions, they have won six and drawn one of the previous seven on the road. They travel to Bulpit Lane, a ground in which they have yet to taste defeat and have not conceded a goal at in the last three visits, two records they will hope to continue Saturday. The last visit, nearly a year ago, finished 3-0 by virtue of goals from Dave Sims-Burgess, Tom Smith and Elliott Frear.

However, they will have to proceed with caution as the Crusaders have won their last five at home which is also where they have accumulated a huge 71% of their 35 points this season. In fact, the reverse fixture saw Hungerford pick up their first of three away wins thanks to a last gasp winner from Claudio Ofosu on his debut to secure a 3-2 victory at Twerton Park. He has since left the club. The Town squad includes Ryan Jones, who was on loan at Bath City last year from Bristol Rovers.

Saturday’s game will mark a very special occasion for midfielder Dan Hayfield, who will make his 50th appearance if he features.

The 45-mile trip from Bath will take you around one-and-a-half hours.

Whichever means of travel you use to get to Hungerford, have a safe journey and get behind the City!