Romans on road to Banbury in the next round

Bath City will travel to Banbury United in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round.

Banbury currently sit fourth in Southern League Premier Central, one division below Bath, and are unbeaten in 12 league and cup games this season.

The Puritans reached round one of the FA Cup last year for the first time since 1973 where they were beaten by Canvey Island, and have overcome Ardley United, Nantwich Town and Basford United to reach this stage.

“It could have been a lot worse, but it could have been a lot better,” said Jerry Gill in reaction to the draw.

“I know their manager Andy Whing quite well, he’s done a fantastic job since he’s gone there.

“They’re having an excellent season – he’s got a good blend of experience and younger players.

“Anywhere away from home against a team riding high will be a tough game, but we have to be confident ourselves.”

The Romans beat the Puritans 2-0 in September 2018 thanks to a Ross Stearn double in the 2nd Qualifying Round, Gill’s first of seven wins against lower league opponents in the FA Cup.

“My good friend Mike Ford has done some scouting for us, he was manager when we played there in 2018,” added the City boss.

“They played Basford on Saturday and their manager is Steve Chettle, who I spoke to before we played Peterborough Sports in the trophy as they’d lost to them in a previous round. I’ve spoken to some other managers in their league already and I’ll go and watch them next Tuesday at Bromsgrove.

“We know their pitch is nice and big, it’ll be in good condition even though they’ve had a lot of home games.

“It helps that we’re aware of the environment, we aren’t heading into the unknown.”

The tie takes place on Saturday 16 October, KO 3pm.

BATH City Academy are hosting an open trial session on the 3G surface at Odd Down Playing Fields.

The trial will be taking place on Wednesday, October 27 for boys in school Year 11.

For more information email bcfcacademy@bathcollege.ac.uk.

The Youth Football club is also looking for new players to join their girls teams.

Any players 6-16 can join in a free taster session before deciding to join.

For more information, email bathcitygirlsfootball@gmail.com.