Bath players impress Gill in derby draw

BATH City manager Jerry Gill has hailed the mindset of his players ahead of this afternoon’s clash at derby rivals Weston-super-Mare.

The ten-man Romans earned a point at Chippenham in front of almost 1,500 fans in Wiltshire on Boxing Day and now face another all-West Country test.

“It’s tough in a local derby because your emotions are a little bit higher,” Gill said. “We are on the side, so we consciously make an effort to not get too involved, but it’s difficult when we’re getting decisions against us.

“They were professional throughout (at Chippenham), they found a way to get an equaliser, and I was disappointed for them afterwards, because I really do think we deserved to win that football match.”

Considering his side’s push for promotion, Gill, pictured, added: “It’s not a disaster at all, it adds to the total, and takes us nicely into the Weston game and the return game (against Chippenham) for New Year’s Day.”

Weston go into the Bath clash at the bottom of the National League South table, but having stopped a run of three successive defeats with a 0-0 draw against Gloucester City on Boxing Day.

Gloucester themselves must attempt to turn their run of draws into an elusive victory away to Gary Johnson’s table-topping Torquay United side.

Elsewhere, Chippenham host Hampton & Richmond with the west London side two spots and three points below the 13thplaced Bluebirds in the table.

The Beavers won 2-1 when the two teams met on August Bank Holiday, while the Bluebirds have not tasted victory in seven games in all competitions.

Matt Smith has stepped away due to work commitments, but Chippenham have recruited Tariq Ossai from Crystal Palace.

Hereford FC should be able to draw on growing confidence as they go into their home National League North clash with highflying Chester at Edgar Street.

The Bulls have won their last four home games in all competitions and the tightening up of the defence is evidence that the arrival of veteran central defender Josh Gowling is having some influence on the younger players around him. Eliot Richards has also returned from injury.