It’s the first game of the season under the Cygnet Health Care Stadium lights tomorrow evening (27th September) and it’s a big Somerset derby to boot as we welcome Bath City in the National League South, ko 7.45pm.
City have made a promising start to the campaign, lying five points ahead of Town in 6th place and with five victories and two defeats from their nine fixtures to date. An opening day defeat to Dartford was followed by an unbeaten run of five games before they lost at leaders Ebbsfleet but have since gone on to beat Weymouth and recover from a three goal deficit to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw at Oxford City on Saturday.
Although the sides have met on several occasions over the years in cup competitions, this is the first time they have crossed paths for a League fixture since the current Town club were formed in 1947. Apart from the match having some historic significance, there will also be plenty of added interest given the number of former Bath players in the Peacocks squad, with Dan Ball, Lloyd James, Nick McCootie, Ross Stearn, Nat Jarvis, and Dave Sims-Burgess all having played for the Romans in recent years while Luke Spokes, who was with the Peacocks from January 2020 before joining Grimsby Town, is now at Twerton Park.
Centre half Ball returns to an otherwise unchanged Town squad after missing the weekend game with Chelmsford due to illness. Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” As I’ve said before, there is no let-up in the National League. It is another massive test for us against a club who have been established at this level and above for many years. They have made a good start, but we’ve shown we can go toe to toe with anyone and have held our own in every game we’ve played so far. It will be a great occasion, a Somerset derby under the lights, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Matchnight Information
Turnstiles, Bar, Club Shop and Refreshment Outlets open at 6.00pm
Admission is payable by card or cash at the turnstile only, priced at £12 for Adults, £10 for Concessions and £5 for Juniors (14-17 years). Under 14’s are free on condition they are accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied Under 14’s will not be admitted.
There will be no printed Match Programmes available to purchase at tomorrow’s game. It is available to read online HERE
We extend our grateful thanks to tomorrow’s Match Sponsor Melody Simons
We welcome our Matchnight Mascots tomorrow Taunton Youth FC Community Trust U12’s
Last meeting: the last occasion the sides met was on 5th February 2020 in the 2nd Round of the Somerset Premier Cup when goals from Jamie Short and Dan Sullivan saw Town home 2-0. Relive the match highlights HERE