After 18 months, we re-enter the stadium. This buzz we’d almost forgotten is back. We turn a corner to see Twerton Park in all its glory. There’s a sense of normality as we take our seats on a refreshing August day. The weather is calm: a refreshing breeze. The only showers being the claps as players train and musical duo, Jiggidy, begin their performance. They get the crowd going with some football classics before exiting. However this was mere build up for what was to come.
Operatic tenor Anthony Flaum steps up and delivers a masterpiece: Goosebumps prick up across the stadium as he sings Nessun Dorma. The sound all around is incredible. The performance reaches an emotional crescendo, and upon finishing he gets a richly deserved round of applause. Simultaneously the players on both sides emerge.
However the cheers are also to say ‘let’s get down to business’… a moment we’ve been waiting for for so long. We’re nearly there.
Now the ball is in the centre and a new season is about to start. The players take the knee upon the whistle, which receives widespread applause.
The Romans kick off and the noise is fantastic. The biggest crowd for an opening day at Twerton since 1972 cheers the lads on and makes a warm impression; automated fan noise has nothing on this. In classic lower league fashion, a tackle flies in almost immediately.
‘4 Chants of “CITY” echo around the ground as the Romans counter with slick passing that finds right-back Eddie Jones. Out of the blue, he attempts an unexpected and audacious cross-shot; the best move so far. However it doesn’t have the necessary power to worry the keeper.
‘10 It’s been end-to-end stuff, but Billericay are on top. Their charging central runs forward look closest to breaking the deadlock. Stomping can be felt beneath feet, in sync with the fans’ songs. And clapping, like shattered glass, as the Romans win the odd corner or put a good tackle in. As we hit the half hour, Bath begin to string some more chances together after soaking up most of the initial pressure.
‘31 An inviting loose ball is picked up by centre-back, Jack Batten, 25 yards out. He surges forward with chants of ‘SHOOT!’ circulating the stands but before he can do so, he is chopped down for a free kick. Tom Smith territory indeed. He unleashes a fantastic dipping shot that is tipped over by Town keeper Bailey Vose. The two ensuing corners both force Vose into good saves. All Bath now, with Billericay chances few and far between.
‘43 Playing the first half with the sun in their eyes, Bath come forward. Elliot Frear plays a perfect corner in but it evades everybody in the penalty area. Smith retrieves it, playing a fine pass into the path of loanee Mo Touray, on the left side of the box, who smashes the ball into the top left corner. The roar of the crowd, the sheer euphoria sends the supporters into football heaven. A joy not experienced for so long. The wonderful sight of hands flying up in delight before you is a beautiful sight
45+3 Despite stoppage time providing a brief scare for both defences, Bath return to the dressing room a goal up with the fans behind them. As the players exit, all that’s left is the quiet metronome of clapping and chattering from the crowd.
Jiggidy return for another round of songs. Sweet Caroline a hit with the fans. The feeling of togetherness it gave us at the Euros returns to Twerton Park as the fans sing along. How the subs could train amidst the noise is impressive.
As the players return to the field we get back into the groove of the football. Billericay kick off and control the first 10-15 minutes. Striker Toyosi Olusanya making some brilliant runs which the Romans struggle to keep up with.
‘57 Town’s chance comes after a stunning City tackle starts a goalmouth scramble. Most fans can only hope with the ball invisible amongst the knot of legs. However, City goalkeeper – Ryan Clarke – keeps a cool head. Bath work their way back into the game midway through the half, almost mirroring the first.
‘65 Billericay remain dangerous though. A good free kick on the hour is well met but just misses the target.
‘70 Bath, now shooting towards their own fans, start to look the better side after an open spell. On an inroad forward, a decent ball finds Cody Cooke, who calmly slots away, with the help of a deflection, to make it 2-0. The fans roar with happiness again, a fine display so far and with 20 minutes to go, a decisive looking advantage.
‘84 Fresh from his goal, Cooke lashes a 25 yard pile-driver goalwards, but it flashes inches wide.
‘89 From out of nowhere, a Billericay player attempts an incredible 35 yard shot. Ryan Clarke – stranded on the edge of his box – desperately sprints back, oblivious to the amazing dipping effort. The crowd gasp as it soars goalwards but ricochets off the bar. It just isn’t seeming to be Ricay’s day.
90+1 In Brazil ‘70 style, City hammer in a great final goal. Alex Fletcher goes on an intricate run down the right before cutting inside and hitting home a low effort. All but rounding off a perfect day for the Romans.
90+5 As Clarke collects a corner, it gets the same great reaction as a goal. He clears it away and the final whistle sounds. The culmination of 18 months of tireless work for the players and staff behind the scenes. The 1,180 delighted and grateful fans stand up to congratulate their team on a fantastic performance and a brilliant afternoon.
RESULT: Bath City FC 3 – 0 Billericay Town
ATTENDANCE: 1,150