14:40 Bath take to the field and start training. At this point in the build-up, it’s almost as if the fans are entering a school assembly, with noise building up until it dies down come the main event.
It’s one of the worst times to play Dartford; who are top of the league with a 100% record – scoring nearly three goals per game. Meanwhile, Bath need a lift after a difficult away trip to Oxford; a good display is much needed to boost morale and potentially knock the leaders off their stride.
‘3 The visitors kick off and get a great chance early on; City keeper Ryan Clarke gets a glove to a close-range attempt, though it remains trickling goalward – a look of resignation is seen amongst home fans but remarkably it gets poked wide.
‘8 Bath counter with a great run on the left flank, Marlee Francois open on the opposite side, he’s spotted late and the defender intercepts a cutback before he can make good contact. It falls only to the edge of the box where it’s walloped back to goal. A hush descends around Twerton but a Dartford defender saves the day and clears it off the line.
’16 Fletcher runs into space and lays off a beautiful pass, catching the defender off guard. It falls well for Omar Holness. Fans clamber to their feet, though the effort strikes the post and heads out.
’28 Dartford edge back into the game after the drinks break. Their chance comes following a disastrous backwards header that bounces straight to an away front man – he delivers an inch-perfect cross and Azeez nods home to open the scoring. Their dominance has paid off though it was a simple mistake that they pounced on to get the advantage. City though have been great going forward but lack the cutting edge at the moment.
’45 It’s been a closely fought first half since the goal but the visitors start to showcase their potency again. A stunning curling effort from 25 yards out by Jack Jebb is clawed away by Clarke, Azeez’s bicycle kick is then nicely tapped home by Robinson for the visitor’s second. Bath now have a huge mountain to climb. A similar swerving shot from Jebb fizzes over minutes after.
Shortly following that effort, the referee signals for half time. The scoreline could take a toll on home players needing some spirit. Another Oxford result could be on the cards, but Jerry Gill knows how to get his team ready and prepared for the second half. They’ve had good chances, but the Darts have been far more clinical.
The match resumes and now we see what the Romans are made of,
‘48 Dominating the first exchanges, the Romans surge forward. Francois’ neat cross is cleared only as far as Fletcher whose thunderous strike is parried. Holness heads goalwards only for it to be dramatically cleared. Most fans turn away celebrating a goal, but those still looking furiously appeal for handball. The defender almost chests it out but it is hard to see on the replay whether his arm did indeed make contact. The referee decides it didn’t hit the hand so, to some fan’s amazement, play goes on.
’61 Bath hoof up another long ball. A tactic that hasn’t worked thus far, though this time Cooke perfectly heads it on for Fletcher. He feints to the right of one man, left of another before calmly placing home a well struck shot. A much needed and much deserved goal back which could go a long way.
’78 Francois makes a tenacious run down the right and delivers another brilliant cross – Cody Cooke arrives but fires his shot high over. Several gilt-edged chances have come City’s way since the goal but none have been converted.
The Romans have to perform a difficult balancing act, keeping up the pressure but also remaining wary at the back; the Darts are beginning to fly again and City could be left open.
The fantastic Azeez is replaced by another attacker, George Porter. The question remains as to whether they’ll try to hold on or seal the game…
’84 The away side counter. A fine lofted pass is picked up by substitute Dan Roberts. The ball eventually falls to Porter who turns and finds the bottom right corner, finishing off a great move and also the match.
Whilst Bath threw the kitchen sink at an equalizer, Dartford kept their cool and won through their efficiency and patience. Their professional class was visible.
As the whistle sounds, There are no boos audible around the ground. City played some great football at times, especially in the second half but just lacked the final product. On paper and on form, it looked like a Dartford victory and they showed why they’re league leaders. All Bath need is some morale boosting performances and they’ll be back on track.
Attendance: 1137 Bath City 1-3 Dartford
Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILwxqH0B5HM