Next Match – Tonbridge Angels (A)

This Saturday, City make the long trip to Kent to face Tonbridge Angels for a clash against a team at the other end of the National League South table.

There was cause for celebration at the Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium this August as Tonbridge celebrated the 75th anniversary of their first ever game. But so far this campaign the Angels have experienced mixed results. They have beaten Dover, Chippenham and Slough in the league, but are currently winless in their last seven matches in all competitions.

Shock cup exits to Haringey in the FA Cup and Chatham Town in the Kent Senior Cup would have been disappointing for manager Jay Saunders, who has also seen a few of his squad move on. Five of their goalscorers this season have already left, and they’ve fielded 28 different players already.

Their last two league games have ended in draws – 3-3 at home to Hemel Hempstead and 1-1 away at Weymouth – but they had a player sent off in each. Last season’s top scorer Jordan Greenidge will return from suspension this Saturday after his red card against Hemel a fortnight ago, but centre-back Ben Swift will miss out after being dismissed at Weymouth last week.

Sean Shields, a former teammate of Cody Cooke, will be a threat. He has scored two in two since arriving, including a free-kick against his and Cody’s former club Weymouth last weekend. But the Angels haven’t beaten City at home since 1975. City did lose 0-1 at home to them last February – the Romans’ first loss to them since 1975, after nine games unbeaten – but won 2-1 away last November with goals from Dan Hayfield and Alex Fletcher.

So after last week’s FA Cup exit to Worthing, City have a good opportunity to bounce back to winning ways. Last week’s defeat was the Romans’ first since Weston-super-Mare in August, leaving Jerry Gill’s side unbeaten in eight. And recently it’s been goals galore too, with City scoring at least once in their last 15 league games, making this their longest consistent goalscoring run since 1999-2000.

Danny Greenslade could make his 50th league start for the club. Fellow defenders Jordan Dyer and Jack Batten are doubts, with hamstring and calf issues respectively, but Chris Lines should return.

We understand any frustrations that this Saturday is another away game, City’s seventh in the last eight, but your support on the road this season has been fantastic. Thank you to everyone who has travelled, listened on Bath City Radio, or got involved on social media.

We’ll be back home for a double header this Tuesday 24 and Saturday 28 October, when Taunton and Worthing will be our visitors. Meanwhile, there will be a Supporters Club coach to the Tonbridge game. Book your seat at bathcityfcsc.com/upcoming-trips

Who – Tonbridge Angels v Bath City
When – Saturday 21 October, 3pm
Where – Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium