A4 derby ends all square as both finish with ten apiece
The first A4 derby ended allsquare in terms of goals and red cards at a damp Hardenhuish Park.
Jack Batten inadvertently put Chippenham ahead when his desperate slide to intercept Eddie Jones’ cross saw him spoon the ball over the helpless Will Henry.
Chippenham were reduced to ten men on 38 minutes when Klaidi Lolos’ lunge on Tom Mehew was deemed dangerous, and it forced the Bluebirds to pack their defence and frustrate the Romans, while threatening on the break.
Freddie Grant finally broke through when he rose well for Frankie Artus’ hanging cross to bravely nod past the advancing Will Puddy.
Puddy played a part in Donovan Wilson’s 88th minute red card when he was left clutching his face after the striker slid towards him chasing a loose ball, though contact appeared minimal.
The draw, City’s first of the season, moved them to 15th place on a day where only two fixtures in National League South were played with Concord Rangers’ match with Billericay Town waterlogged off and seven others postponed for positive COVID-19 tests returned among clubs.
Boss Jerry Gill admitted his concern of another season being curtailed as the virus continues to dominate the south east of England, where most of the sides in National League South are based.
“I’m starting to get extremely worried about it,” said Gill, who added that his uncle is currently suffering from the virus.
“We all want to be out playing football but when you hear worrying things about hospitals filling up again and cases in areas increasing heavily, there’s a bit of a reality check.
“It needs to be safe to play. It is a concern to us as managers and football clubs up and down the country.
“I’m sure it will be addressed again. We do things extremely well at Bath City, adhering to social distancing at training and matchdays.
“If there is a decision I hope it’s a sensible one.”
On the pitch, Gill was largely satisfied with his team’s display at Hardenhuish Park, where the point extended Bath’s unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions.
“You have to give some credit to the opposition having gone down to ten men,” he said. “They were difficult to break down.
“We dominated the ball for long spells but need to be a bit better. We’ve not created too many on Will [Puddy’s] goal for him to save.
“We kept going for the win even after going to ten men but it didn’t quite happen.”
The main talking points were the game’s red cards, with Wilson’s 88th minute dismissal some 50 minutes after Lolos’ sending off for a foul on Mehew left Chippenham a man light.
“Tom Mehew’s shin has been smashed to bits,” said Gill. “I thought that was a red card.
“For ours, I’m not sure if Will’s got a mark on his arm so I don’t think he touched him, but the way Donovan went in was with frustration. He’s given the referee a decision to make.
“The game became one of appealing and shouting from both sides. I don’t want to see a referee giving a free-kick on any appealing after contact. Certainly not in the A4 derby. You expect contact in the game.
“If appealing works, that’s what teams are taking advantage of. I’m not enjoying that at the moment.
“We need strong referees for these games.”
City’s equaliser arrived after a lot of possession, but Gill sought more penetration from his side.
“That’s the only time second half I can remember us getting in behind them,” he said, commenting on Grant’s goal. “It’s difficult on a small pitch and Chippenham defended really well, they knew our threat would be in behind.
“It’s a great cross from Frankie and Freddie’s hang-time was fantastic. He’s been brave, taking a whack in the face for his goal.”
Grant became the Romans’ 100th different goalscorer in National League South by nodding in his first goal for over 18 months, which was also a header for Wealdstone at Woking in a play-off semi-final.
“I don’t mind going for those type of headers,” said Grant. “It’s one of my strengths, I’ve got a good leap and like heading the ball. Frankie’s cross was perfect for me to attack.
“We like having a lot of the ball, which we did today when they went down to 10 men. When you have the likes of Ryan Harley, he’ll find cute passes if he finds the space. I thought we did well but we needed that final pass better to create chances.
“The team is together. The changing room is great and one point away from home isn’t too bad.”
Gill agreed, adding: “We’re in a good place still. A lot of teams will come here and get beaten. Chippenham are very competitive, Mike Cook has built a good squad, a draw here is no mean feat.”