Next Match – Paulton Rovers – SPC Final

City bring their 2022/23 season to a conclusion tomorrow evening when they face Paulton Rovers in the final of the Somerset Premier Cup at the Optima Stadium, home of Weston Super Mare FC.

The Romans reached this stage of the competition for a second successive season with wins over Brislington, Nailsea & Tickenham, Larkhall Athletic and Frome Town. Paulton received a bye in the 1st Round before edging past Keynsham Town on penalties then shocking holders Yeovil Town in the quarter-finals. A 1-0 win over Bridgwater Town earned them a first final appearance since the 2012/13 season.

Paulton concluded their league campaign a week earlier than City with an impressive 2-1 win over play-off chasing Bashley, which saw them finish in 13th place in the Southern League Division 1 South.

Although City will go into the game firm favourites, if they require a good omen they only need to look back to the last time they lifted the trophy. The 2007/08 final also saw them face Paulton Rovers at Weston Super Mare’s home (then still called the Woodspring Stadium). The initial game ended in slightly farcical circumstances when the floodlights failed with the score level at 1-1. The sides met again a week later, this under the more reliable Twerton Park lights, with two goals from Dave Gilroy putting them in control of the tie before Martin Paul secured the win with his 113th City goal, making him the club’s all-time second top scorer. Although no such landmark goalscoring feats will be achieved this time (suspension denying Tom Smith the chance to net a hat-trick and reach 50 goals!) the Romans will look to end the campaign on a high.

Tickets to the fixture are available to purchase at the gate with admissions for Adults priced at £7 and Concessions at £4.

The Supporters Club will be running a coach service to Weston-super-Mare – book now or find out more.