RIGG’S BIG IMPRESSION IS SO VITAL TO ROMANS
BATH CITY extended their unbeaten run to seven, with their fifth clean sheet in a row, and extended East Thurrock’s dismal run of away form.
John Coventry’s men remain winless this term on the road, collecting a meagre two points from 39, but they gave City a few scares before Sean Rigg’s second-half strike decided the contest.
The Rocks weren’t overawed in the early stages. Ben Marlow’s scuffed shot picked out Sam Ashford at the far post, but from a narrow angle he blazed well off target.
The visitors frustrated the Romans and boss Jerry Gill switched formation early on to try and prize the visitors apart.
It had an instant impact as they quickly created two openings. Tom Smith wasted the first, mishitting wide from 15 yards after Anthony Straker brushed off Jon Nzengo and crossed from the by-line.
Rocks centre-back Steve Sheehan bravely denied Smith with a superb block.
Freddie Hinds dragged wide after Joe Raynes
almost bulldozed his way through a packed visitors defence.
East Thurrock’s Reece Prestedge produced the match’s first effort on target shortly before half-time, a volley from 25 yards which flew straight at Romans keeper Ryan Clarke.
Adam Mann’s stinging drive when Raynes’ shot ricocheted to him required a smart save from visiting custodian Rob Giddens.
The Rocks harried and chased to good effect, but posed few problems for Clarke, with defences on top in the first half.
Giddens showed incredible reactions when Robbie Cundy’s deflected header nearly sneaked in.
But from the resulting corner, Frankie Artus’ header was parried off the line by Nzengo and ran to Rigg who drove into the roof of the net from ten yards on 54 minutes.
Tom Derry bore down on goal after a mix-up in Bath’s midfield, but Clarke smothered the ball before Derry could get his shot away.
Derry went even closer on 80 minutes when his speculative shot from 25 yards bounced off the inside of the post and away to safety.
It was the closest they came as City made it 521 minutes without conceding, their longest run of league clean sheets since 2007. A delighted Gill told The
NLP: ‘It’s a fantastic three points. Progression again and a sixth clean sheet in seven, restricting them to only one clear chance.
“It consolidates our third spot and the boys are confident and looking forward to Torquay next game.”