Best chance to reach first round – Tom

TOM Smith is hoping for a happy anniversary this weekend as Bath City bid to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time since 2011.

The midfielder celebrates six years at the club this weekend, having made a man-of-the-match debut in a 0-0 fourth qualifying round draw with Chelmsford City back in 2017.

Smith is enthusiastic about possible progression in the FA Cup, having lost in the fourth qualifying round four times in the last six seasons.

“It’s the best chance we’ve had since I’ve been here,” he said ahead of today’s trip to Worthing.

“I’m sure everyone’s eager to get into the first round – I know I am. I’m really excited, the team are too.

“Worthing are a good team, we’ll go there and give them respect. We know they play good football and have threat in the wide areas.

“We’ll be focussed on winning the game, but anything can happen in the cups.”

Elsewhere, a couple of old Football League rivals meet when

Hereford welcome Rochdale to Edgar Street, pictured.

The Bulls have been pretty inconsistent so far this season, although they are in better form than Dale, who have not won any of their last four matches in the National League.

Two more struggling teams go head-to-head at Weston-superMare, where Maidenhead, from the division above, are the visitors.

By contrast, two teams in fine form meet at Huish Park.

Yeovil are riding high at the top of the National League South, while visitors Southend have moved out of the National League relegation zone despite suffering a ten-point deduction due to financial issues.

Mike Cook insists that he does not want to let people down at Gloucester City – but it will take time for him to turn things around at the struggling Tigers.

City are currently fourth-frombottom of the National League North, just one point above basement side Darlington, and they visit resurgent Southport this afternoon.

The West Lancashire side are on a terrific run at the moment, with experienced boss Jim Bentley having taken the helm at the end of August.

Cook said: “I want to come in and make a difference, I don’t want to let people down, but it takes time to get players in.”