More goals could have been scored in derby demolition
Jerry Gill thought his side could have won by more following his team’s demolition of Frome Town.
In the end they settled for five at this stage for the first time since 2002 at Weston-super-mare, when current assistant manager Jim Rollo was among the goals.
A change to the norm saw Bath shoot down the slope towards the Bath End in the first half, which Gill said was pre-planned.
“We won the toss and spun it around,” he said. “We normally go up the hill first half but the players wanted to switch and set out on the front foot.
“We had to show we were two levels above and I think that was shown in abundance today. It was a thoroughly professional performance from the group.
“I think Frome will find themselves lucky to not lose by double figures really. That’s not me being disrespectful, I thought some of our play was superb.
“Physically we were better, we were a fitter team. Things like that have to be taken into every game, whether we play a National League South side or lower division in the cups.
“Our record against lower league teams is good which tells you the mindset is right, we prepare properly. Clarkey (Ryan Clarke) went and watched Frome, I watched their recent games back constantly, we gathered all the information.
“We paid them the utmost respect, and that means not sitting off, I wanted six, seven or eight.
“How can you grumble at 5-0 though?”
Alex Fletcher got the ball rolling with his fourth of the season as City looked sharp from the off.
“Alex scoring with a header set us off nicely,” said Gill. “It settled us down. Some of our goals today were superb.
“Jack Batten’s goal was from a set-piece which we work on – I was in danger of taking Jim (Rollo) and Booky (Steve Book) off planning set-pieces because we haven’t done very well with them!
“I thought Elliott Frear was unplayable, he was rightly man-ofthe-match. I don’t want to just single him out, to a man they’ve done an excellent job today.
“We spoke last week about winning second balls against Maidstone. Our percentage of winning them was down to 32% then, halftime we were told by our analyst that it’s 78 per cent. Those little things lead to big things.
“You’ve got to be able to work hard, win your second balls. We were robust in challenges and won so many duels over the pitch.”
Murphy Mahoney claimed a clean sheet, Bath’s first at Twerton since the opening day, with the defence boosted by Callum Wood’s return from testing positive from COVID-19 and captain Ben Gerring shrugging off illness to complete 68 minutes.
“It’s the fifth week running I’ve had a phonecall from the eve of the game from a player,” said Gill. “When you see a missed call from your captain at 7.30am it’s worrying.
“He had a negative lateral flow test but wasn’t feeling too good. I think his young boys had a cold. We went a bit old school with him – got some Vic on his chest and he had some smelling salts.
“We took him off because we were comfortable in the game, we can shuffle around. Ben’s a good leader, I thought he was immense.
“I think Callum Wood is an excellent player. He gives us good balance, he’s got a bright future, he’ll go a long way in the game and has a great attitude.
“I spoke to him afterwards, he said it was games like this that he loves. He wins his headers and tackles and has ability to step in and find a pass.”
Gill was grateful for those that braved the rain – the attendance of 1,421 was over double their previous game at Twerton at this stage in 2018 against Lewes.
“Our fans were terrific on a wet, rainy day,” he said. “I know Frome brought a few too.
“I’m desperate to bring this club some success. We’ve seen some great moments in here, 3,500 against Torquay and I’ve played in front of some great ones as well.
“The objective was to be in the draw for Monday. We owe the club two rounds with the prize money, then it’s over to the players and try and go as far as we can. I’m desperate for that.”
The Romans were in action last night at Clevedon Town in the Somerset Premier Cup and return to the league Saturday against Dorking Wanderers, who sit 13th in National League South, one place and one point below the Romans.
Marc White’s men reached the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win over Weston-super-mare on Saturday.
“Dorking and us aren’t happy with where we are in the league currently,” Gill summised. “Today should give our boys confidence going into that one.”