Ankle-strapped Raynes is feeling fit again for Romans
Joe Raynes played a key part in Bath City’s 1-0 win at Concord on Saturday.
The versatile player’s in-swinging cross hit the inside of the post and fell to Ross Stearn to tap in the only goal of the game at a blustery Aspect Arena.
The 24-year-old spent most of the second half on defensive duties as Concord forced a leveller, which was not forthcoming.
Raynes admitted he wasn’t going for goal for his assist.
“It was a cross,” he laughed. “I thought it was going in at first, luckily Stearny was there to put it in.”
“Connor and I have both been working on crossing in training.
“We were told today to get as many balls in the box as possible because of the weather.
“As soon as you get it in the box anything can happen.
“I thought our deliveries were quite good today.”
Raynes returned for Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against St Albans, having missed the previous four matches through an ankle injury sustained in training.
Raynes said: “I feel fit again. It’s not ideal but with strapping it up I’m getting through it.
“I was gutted to miss a few games having played so many in a row and I love playing.
“We needed that win. The last few weeks haven’t been good enough.
“It was tough conditions today in the wind and the rain.
“In the first half we had them penned in and it was the complete opposite in the second half.”
Like Gill, Raynes commented on the game plan which proved a catalyst for City’s first league win in a month.
He said: “The gaffer came in and told us before the game this wasn’t the game to start playing at the back.
“We normally play football at Twerton but here the pitch wasn’t great and you have to change it up sometimes.
“We needed to play in the final third.
“It was difficult from goal kicks and difficult to create chances.”
The Bathonian complimented Dan Ball’s communication in defence as City clinched their 15th clean sheet of the season in all competitions.
“Dan Ball’s great for all of us at the back,” said Raynes.
“It worked with the defensive line because the ball kept running out of play. He still helps me massively, I’m sure it’s the same with the others as well.”