Pre-match played a big part in our performance - Gill
Jerry Gill claimed Saturday’s outcome was “probably the best scenario ever” for Bath City.
The 3-0 success was the club’s biggest at home on the opening day since a 5-1 win over Macclesfield Town in 1993 when Gill was on the club’s books as a player.
Saturday’s attendance of 1,180 was City’s highest at home for a first game of the season since 1972 as fans flocked back to Twerton Park for a carnival pre-match atmosphere concluded by Anthony Flaum’s rendition of Nessun Dorma.
“The tenor’s performance meant it took me about five minutes to get my emotions back,” admitted Gill. “It was hairs on the back of the neck stuff and the pre-match played a big part in the performance.
“To keep a clean sheet and score three on a day like today is fantastic. The players took the game plan to a T. We’ve done a lot of good work the last two weeks. The performance was very controlled.
“People say the opening game will never define your season, but why not? It gives you confidence.
“I’d rather be sat here with three goals, three points and a clean sheet than not.”
Mo Touray’s debut strike separated the sides at the break.
“We deserved the half-time lead,” said Gill. “We had all the territory, a lot of entries into the box.
“We went a bit longer at the start, so did they. The teams were trying to work each other out.
“We changed our shape midway through the second half when they started to get control and scored immediately after changing. That was a bit of luck.
“The message at half-time was to stay on the front foot and be really aggressive.
“We started the second half well but then they took control of the game. They overloaded us in central areas.”
Cody Cooke’s goal with 20 minutes remaining gave the Romans further breathing space with Alex Fletcher rubber-stamping the win in stoppage time.
Touray, Fletcher and Cooke notched 14 goals between them in the friendlies and threatened throughout on Saturday.
“Those front three have been in good form throughout pre-season,” said Gill. “I think we’ve added Mo to the group at the right time.
“But it’s more than that, everyone has done their job. Ryan (Clarke) had an injection in his knee, came and claimed those crosses, he looked so assured. His starting position is always aggressive.
“I thought Ben Gerring was tremendous. He epitomised what he’s all about. When I signed him I knew he was an ideal centre-back for this league. Not a lot goes through him, he attacks everything aerially.
“What a debut it was for Callum Wood as well. It was an outstanding performance alongside Ben and Jack (Batten).
“Callum has not played in front of a crowd like this in his life. Nothing will replicate what he’s been through there today.
“Leaving out Dan Ball was one of the hardest things to do today. He’s a fantastic servant for this football club. I told him on Thursday to remain ready and he said he would be. He’s disappointed not to be in the starting XI but he came on and slotted in nicely, just what we want.
“We’ve got competition for places, we just haven’t got an abundance of numbers.
“People have questioned sending Joe Raynes out on loan. It’s not the wrong decision – we sat down and asked what he needed to get him back to fitness. We decided that was five games at Yate, he will be back after the Bank Holiday game.
“You don’t want people resting on their laurels.”
The Bath boss was forced to watch Saturday’s win from the main stand having been sent off following the FA Trophy exit to Peterborough Sports in January.
“I really enjoy it because you see a tactical view,” said Gill. “The hardest thing is relaying messages when you need to change it. Jim (Rollo) and I had earpieces, but sometimes forgot to turn them on as we’re not used to it.
“I was rushing up and down the steps to pass on instructions to Steve Book. Steve’s been a great addition, he understands the game.
“My backroom staff have been fantastic – they understand what I want to do. It’s a real team effort on and off the pitch.”
City have a seven day break between their first two league games for the first time in 30 years. On Saturday they travel to Tonbridge Angels.
“I prefer the break,” Gill stated. “I think it’s too much pressure on a non-league team to play Saturdaytuesday in the first two weeks.
“Pre-season has been quite a slog with eight weeks of football matches. We wondered whether we’d over or undercooked them but they prepared properly. We look forward to having a little breather before Tonbridge.
“We’ll get on the front foot and try and put in another positive performance.”