Bath City (0)0 Ebbsfleet United (0)1

Bath City’s nine game unbeaten run came to an end at Twerton Park against high flying Ebbsfleet United. A solitary goal five minutes after the interval proved enough for the Kent side to take all three points from a closely contested match.

The early stages were played out largely in the midfield areas with neither side able to create any goal scoring opportunities. The first attempt arrived on 12 minutes when United’s Danny Kedwell saw his low free kick from 20 yards repelled by City’s defensive wall, and the same player headed over Max O’Leary’s crossbar from a corner two minutes later.

The home side had to wait until the 28th minute for a shot at goal when Shawn McCoulsky cleverly brought down the ball, but scuffed his effort wide of the far post from 25 yards out.

Ebbsfleet were gradually gaining the upper hand and the best opening of the first period fell to Sam Deering on the half hour mark, the wide-man bursting into the City box only to be denied by an outstanding block by the outrushing O’Leary. The Bath custodian then made another useful save by tipping Kedwell’s dangerously looping header over the bar.

Frankie Artus had a goalbound shot from outside the box charged down by the Fleet defence as the first half came to an end.

The visitors continued in the ascendancy after the resumption and took the lead on 50 minutes following a defensive error. Nathan Ashmore’s long clearance downfield was misjudged by George Rigg and his errant header dropped into the path of Bradley Bubb. The striker took full advantage by lobbing the ball over the stranded O’Leary and into the unguarded net.

For a while, the away side sought to increase their advantage, and Kedwell was again too high with a header following a 57th minute corner from the right. Thereafter, his side were content to sit back and waste as much time as possible, ably abetted by the referee, Mr. Sam Purkiss, with some questionable officiating.

The hosts began to gain a greater share of possession, but Ebbsfleet’s strong defensive organisation meant that they were unable to build any telling pressure on Ashmore’s goal. Nick McCootie’s 65th minute shot-on-the-turn was deflected for a corner, and his firmly driven cross from the right a minute later flew untouched across the six-yard box. Jack Batten then saw his header theatrically saved by the underworked United keeper.

Naby Diallo and Shaquille Hunter replaced Marvin Morgan and McCoulsky respectively, as Gary Owers’ men sought a breakthrough, and Hunter was close with a curling effort from 20 yards on 85 minutes that was deflected round the far post for a corner. At the other end, O’Leary gathered Jack Powell’s shot at the second attempt after the ball had initially squirmed from his grasp.

With the home side pushing men forward, Ebbsfleet should have sewn the game up in the final minute of normal time. Anthony Cook, who appeared suspiciously offside, was allowed to run through on goal but, having rounded O’Leary, he struck the near post with his shot and the chance was lost.
The final action saw Deering try his luck from just inside his own half when he spotted O’Leary off his line, but the keeper calmly saved with his feet to avoid any undue embarrassment.

Overall the game was fairly even but, in truth, City rarely looked capable of breaking down the Ebbsfleet defence. Indeed, Ashmore was not forced into a save of any note throughout, and his team always looked in control of proceedings. Bath were never overawed or completely outplayed, but it is often said that sides seeking titles need to be streetwise and be prepared to ‘win ugly’, and this was certainly true of the visitors on this occasion.

Bath City: Max O’Leary, George Rigg, Miles Welch-Hayes, Jack Batten, Chas Hemmings, Frankie Artus, Andy Watkins, Billy Murphy, Nick McCootie, Marvin Morgan (Naby Diallo 76), Shawn McCoulsky (Shaquille Hunter 85). Subs not used: Lee Marshall, Sekani Simpson, Josh Hutchinson.

Ebbsfleet United: Nathan Ashmore, Anthony Cook, Jack Connors, Marvin McCoy, Dave Winfield, Kenny Clark, Dean Rance, Andy Drury, Danny Kedwell (Jack Powell 85), Bradley Bubb, Sam Deering. Subs not used; Mark Phillips, Michael Jordan, Sean Shields, Darren McQueen.

Referee: Mr. Sam Purkiss.

Attendance: 695.

Great summary. Underworked keeper about right.

Cracking report as ever.

One thing worth mentioning is the number of supporters they brought. Possibly outnumbered the home support.

BenE wrote:Cracking report as ever.

One thing worth mentioning is the number of supporters they brought. Possibly outnumbered the home support.

Well, I wouldn't say there was 350 of them, but there was a lot.

A few were in the ground at 1.45 which was odd. I'd leave it an extra hour if I wasn't multi-tasking.

We were surrounded by red scarves on the poplar side.

It's always easy to follow in numbers when you're at the top.

I think you must have been standing at the wrong end mate. Given our recent form and recent attendances with very few visiting fans I'd put their following no higher than 150 absolute max. However they did spend some decent money in the bar beforehand, which some of our own supporters refuse to do, so it was very good to see them. It certainly helped the atmosphere.

comrade powell wrote:It's always easy to follow in numbers when you're at the top.

This may be true in general terms, but it's still quite a way to Bath from our place.

Anyway, my group had a great day out ( as we did last year ). Love going to Bath...fantastic place ...even been there with Mrs Hirsty for a holiday !!

Didn't make the Royal Oak for the beer festival but went to the Lamb & Lion ( I think ), Bath Brew House ( bit unusual but good ) & the Old Green Tree. Everyone we met was friendly & sociable. Even the Train Manager ( if that's what they are called ?) on the way down from Paddington was a Bath fan...so we had a good old chat with him...nice bloke.

All the best for the rest of the season.

Cheers,

Thanks Hirsty and see you next season!  

I think we know who the train manager was.