Great response to Trophy upset
Win on Tuesday helps side forget about painful Sports loss
“What a fantastic performance” was Jerry Gill’s evaluation of depleted Bath City’s morale-boosting win over Havant & Waterlooville.
The display was unrecognisable from Saturday’s lacklustre FA Trophy exit which was not well received by a large contingent of City supporters.
Gill was aware of the criticism levelled at his team at the weekend.
“We took a lot of stick Saturday night all over social media,” said the Bath boss. “It’s natural that we do read it. Some of it is disrespectful, some people forget how far we’ve come in a short space of time.
“The boys showed a really good reaction, their attitudes are never questioned.
“It was a pleasure to watch it. I sat in the stand with Frankie Artus for most of it, we were bouncing ideas off each other. I was in constant contact with the bench, I saw a much bigger picture than I would see pitchside.
“It’s a fantastic win against a very, very good Havant side.”
Gill was inspired by a post online which highlighted that Tuesday’s match was exactly two years on from the thrilling 3-2 win over Torquay United, watched by 3,492 at Twerton Park.
“That really got me excited before the game,” he said. “Those days will come back, tonight proves that.
“Hopefully we’ll get some fans in to enjoy it as well if we carry on performing like we did tonight.
“We played a slightly different way and recognised the pitch probably wasn’t going to suit us playing through the thirds. The players carried out the game plan to a tee.
“Every time we attacked we were on the front foot and looked really dangerous. The two goals epitomised that.
“Havant really struggled to get in the game first half apart from the goal. That’s credit to our players.”
Recalled captain Ryan Clarke was the hero on 61 minutes for repelling Bedsente Gomis’ penalty, the first City goalkeeper to save a spot-kick at Twerton since Luke Southwood in April 2018.
“I was amazed by the penalty decision,” said Gill. “I’ve never seen one given for that. Bizarre, absolutely bizarre.
“Ryan’s momentum is naturally going to see him collide with their striker after he’s missed. It was just rewards that he’s saved it.
“Will [Henry] took the decision of being left out really well before the game. He pulled off some great saves Saturday.
“We knew Havant would launch in long throws and long balls, Ryan’s starting positions are always positive in that regard.
“I’ve got two really good goalkeepers to choose from.”
Every individual was praised by Gill after the game, who singled out Lloyd James for a fine performance in only his third start of the season.
“He’s had to wait a long time to get in this team,” said Gill of the 32-year-old. “He went in and did the exact job of what we asked of him.
“He’s got a lot of quality and was really effective in there for us, also putting his body on the line.
“We were down to the bare bones. I asked Jason Pope to go in at right-back and he did a fantastic job.
“Havant were throwing everything at us – it was like a front five or six at the end. But we stifled them and looked dangerous on the attack. It’s important we back it up on Saturday.”
City hadn’t scored in their previous two matches but looked a handful with Alex Fletcher making a bright start having signed from Tiverton Town on the eve of the game.
“I thought he had an outstanding debut,” said Gill. “What a good find he is.
“He fits the profile of what we want at this football club. He will be an asset.
“If he carries on from the way he played tonight he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Fletcher, 21, enjoyed his first foray in the stripes, having trained twice with the club before his signing was confirmed.
The former Plymouth man had scored seven league goals for Tiverton, who have been without a fixture since the 31 October FA Trophy exit at Salisbury.
“I’ve been keeping fit going running, but compared to the intensity of a football match it’s very different,” he said.
“Getting back on the pitch was massive for me. I’m glad I got through the 90 relatively unscathed.
“National League South football has a higher tempo. Mentally it’s a bit more tough as well.
“The way we dug in was massively needed after Saturday. It was a real team performance tonight.
Newton-abbot based Fletcher faces a long journey on Saturday to Essex as City travel to Braintree Town, who picked up an excellent 2-0 win at Maidstone on Tuesday.
“The travelling is worth it to make a step up to this level,” he said. “Bath are a big club, I didn’t need much persuading to come here.
“I’m on board with the challenge to get us up the league. I don’t think our current position reflects where we should be.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday.”