Exeter workout leaves City boss thoroughly impressed
Bath City boss Jerry Gill was impressed with his side’s closefought contest against League Two Exeter City on Tuesday night. Matt Jay grabbed the only goal just after half-time for a Grecians side that have only missed on promotion in the play-off final in each of the last two seasons. Although the results ended the Romans’ winning start to pre-season, there were several more pluses than minuses to ponder over for the man at the helm. “First and foremost, you’re up against a team that was close to getting promoted from their division last year, so it was a really good test, just what I wanted,” Gill said. “Tonight, I thought we were very good without creating too much. The bits to work on will probably be the final third stuff, now. “But then you have to give credit to a league club like Exeter. They’ve got a good coach and good people behind the scenes that are obviously going to keep them organised – they train every day and are hard to break down. “We don’t like losing games, we don’t like conceding goals, but there’s a way in doing it. “They’ve not cut us open. It’s just gone in between the centre-backs a bit too easily. “That comes with changes. Players have to get up with the pace of the game. Communication may struggle a bit.” City’s start to the game was encouraging for the boss, as they began the better side. “I thought we started the game really bright,” Gill added. “We were probably the better team in the first half with some of our movement and passing. “A few shots on target and we were unlucky with some set-pieces again, that looks a threat for us this year. Robbie Cundy’s come close a couple of times. “I’m really pleased. I thought we held our own in the second half for periods, but we’re just disappointed with the goal. “A good test which shows us where we’re at, really. You look at this team [Exeter], they go to Truro and win 6-0, and hopefully it’s been a tough game for them tonight.” Gill proved that management can be a 24/7 vocation, summed up by his switch of Joe Raynes – who penned a one-year contract before the match – from midfield to defence. “I woke up at the middle of the night and thought ‘Joe Raynes – right back,’” Gill revealed. “I looked at it and thought he’s got all the attributes to be a very good right back. “I have to say, I thought he was our man-of-the-match tonight. I thought he was outstanding in everything he did. “He’s not played there before. First and foremost, you look at his distances. His distances were really great off the centre-backs. “He took over that position where I like full-backs to become midfield overloads. He saw that and did it ever so well, and was really strong and aggressive in tackles and headers.” Raynes spent last year at Frome Town, where he starred in their Southern League Premier campaign. Gill added: “I’m really pleased to get him on board on a year’s contract. “He’s taken to it – he’s a good lad, a PT Instructor by trade so he keeps himself really fit. Kept going until the end. “I think he’s got a bright future. He’s one we can develop and hopefully move on further as well.” Anthony Straker returned for his first outing of pre-season and his performance pleased the Romans chief. “He was brilliant, Strakes,” Gill said.“He came in the first training session before he went on holiday, and he’s looked as good as he did in that first session. “He got 90 minutes under his belt. I was checking on him, he said: ‘no, keep going with me’ “It’s refreshing. We’ve got competition for places now.” The added options have allowed Gill to tinker with the formation during matches. For the visit of Exeter, a back four was utilised, with Ryan Brunt, Andy Watkins and Ross Stearn starting as a front three. “I like the 4-3-3, we stuck with it,” Gill said. “I thought Ryan Brunt was physical and a real pest up top as well. He’s key to a lot of our link play. “Millsy [John Mills] went up top then and had a right good go. He’s not quite getting balls rolling for him at the moment to get any chances.” Ollis, who has progressed through the club’s academy and enjoyed a spell on loan at Keynsham last season, could increase the manager’s selection headache. “They [academy players] are not doing themselves any harm,” Gill said. “I think I’ve shown in signings I’ve made that I’m not opposed to signing people from lower league, or putting in young players. “If they’re good enough they’ll get an opportunity. They all are, at the moment.” Gill confirmed new academy players will be given a run-out at Street tonight (7.45pm). City then host a Bristol Rovers XI at Twerton Park on Saturday afternoon (3pm).