‘This is a really good team in a good position’: Jerry
Jerry Gill called for a repeat performance from his Bath City side as they look to continue their perfect October by reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup this weekend.
City make the short trip to Weston-super-mare for Saturday’s fourth qualifying round clash on the back of a fine 2-0 success at St Albans City.
It came thanks to an all-round display that left the Romans boss full of praise in leafy Hertfordshire.
“Absolutely fantastic, without getting too carried away with ourselves,” he said.
“That first half was exhilarating, it really was, along with some really exciting, free-flowing football, and creating chances.
“The shape, organisation and work-rate from the players was phenomenal.
“Second half was more about digging in a little bit, but without losing our shape, keeping our discipline, staying narrowed off. They didn’t really create anything.
“An all-round really good performance.”
The lack of clear chances for the Saints demonstrated the strength of City’s defensive display. Ian Allinson’s men had netted in every league and cup match since a 3-0 defeat at home to Whitehawk in August, with Ryan Clarke facing little in terms of shots on target.
It was the first time City had played consecutive league matches in front of attendances of 1,000+ since March 2012, in National League Premier.
Back then, 5,745 at Kenilworth Road, Luton, saw Adie Britton’s side succumb to a 2-0 loss, before three days later 1,190 were at Barrow, albeit a handful of City fans, to see a 1-0 win.
Having lost to an impressive Welling side a fortnight ago, Gill was pleased that his team showed so many what they’re capable of, roared on by a decent-sized travelling support.
“Whenever you come up and play in front of big crowds you want to put on a show, and show what your product is, as a team,” he said.
“Welling we were all bitterly disappointed, probably a bit because of the crowd as well. We didn’t show the true Bath City.
“Today, that’s a really good Bath City side you’ve seen there against a team that have been going so well.
“It’s all about the people, the supporters.
“I thought our supporters were terrific. Travelled in numbers, vocal throughout.”
“I don’t want to get too carried away, but this is a really good team and we’re in a really good position in the league again.
The bumper crowd at Clarence Park was partly down to Nonleague Day, a celebration of football below the Football League, where the top 44 sides had the weekend off owing to internationals.
Ironically, City played at the same venue last term for the occasion. Gill, who plied his trade in nonleague with Weston-super-mare and Yeovil either side of five and a half years at Twerton Park, hasn’t forgotten his roots, having left Yeovil for Birmingham and spending more than a decade in the professional game.
He said: “I said for any young coach, any player that may be looking to develop further, I think it’s great.
“I think Academies are fantastic up and down the country but they don’t give you what you get here today.
“They don’t give you that atmosphere, that competitive edge, people physically going up against you.
“In our squad we’ve got players that are dropping down, for whatever reason, probably should be playing higher but they’ve got successful businesses and want to be part of it.
“And we’ve got young lads that have played, and middle-aged lads, lower level, that are coming in and doing ever so well.
“We’ve got a nice balance, nice blend.
“They’re a great group to work with. They’re a non-league club but so professional, so eager to come in and do well.
“We thoroughly enjoy our nonleague time. Non-league Day is a special day because it gets punters in the ground, you can put on a showcase.”
Ahead of the FA Cup tie with National League South rivals Weston, Gill expressed some caution about players potentially unavailable for the trip to the Woodspring Stadium.
“We’re short on numbers. Andy Watkins is struggling with an injury and Dan Ball we know about as well,” he said.
“I’ve said to the boys – Weston now, we can look forward to it in the week, and it’s all about the players.
“The previous bit has all been about the club, and giving a bit back.
“It’s now about those players going out there and showing what they can do, making a little bit of history and putting a showcase on for them, because they deserve some plaudits.
“They’re all winners, they all want to win.
“It’ll be a nice day for them next week, but it’ll only be a nice day if we go and put in a performance like this.”
The shape and workrate from the players was phenomenal