Next Match – Weston Super Mare (A)

Bath City make the short journey to Weston-super-Mare this Tuesday looking to get even after August’s meeting.

It was a mild Tuesday night when Weston-super-Mare came to Twerton Park as reigning champions of the Southern League Premier South. The Seagulls had finally been promoted back to the National League South after their relegation in 2019.

Their first two seasons in Step 3 were curtailed due to the Covid pandemic, and so it was not until 2021-22 that they were able to challenge for a return. They finished fifth that campaign to secure a place in the play-offs, but lost 2-1 in the semi-final to Hayes & Yeading United. Last season, however, they were not to be denied. They spent the entire season near the top of the table and finished as worthy champions.

They came to Twerton in August on the back of two 1-0 wins in their opening two matches, but City had themselves taken four points from strong opposition in the shape of Dartford and Maidstone United, and the home support seemed confident that they could overcome their neighbours and rise above them in the table. However, in a staggering evening, Weston won 6-2, leaving the home club flabbergasted.

Jerry Gill said after the match that he hoped it was just a one-off result, and that was exactly what it turned out to be. The Romans won their next four and weren’t beaten again for two months. Weston, meanwhile, lost their next two 3-0 and didn’t win again until mid-September.

Going into the return fixture, City are 8th and Weston 15th. The Seagulls recorded their first win in six on Saturday, 2-1 at Havant & Waterlooville, while the Romans saw their match against Dartford postponed.

City have been victorious in their last two visits to the Woodspring Stadium. Last May they claimed Somerset Premier Cup success there over Paulton Rovers. Our last league game there against Weston was in December 2018. That ended in a 2-0 win with goals from Robbie Cundy and Joe Raynes. The Romans lost in the play-offs that season, as Weston were relegated.

The most famous meeting between the clubs was in March 2016. After a turgid 90 minutes, Scott Wilson’s added-time strike looked to have clinched Weston a much-needed three points. Alas, there was still time for a Tyler Harvey penalty and a YouTube viral winner from the halfway line to earn three points for Gary Owers’ side in a stunning conclusion. Both teams comfortably avoided relegation and Wilson is now shining for the Stripes.

Let’s hope he and his teammates gain revenge on Tuesday night. And we hope to see many City fans make the short journey!

Who – Weston-super-Mare v Bath City
When – Tuesday 23 January, 7.45pm
Where – Woodspring Stadium, Weston-super-Mare