Monday 28 March 2005 - Twerton Park - kick off 3.00pm
Southern League Premier Division
half-time: 0-0 result: D0-0 attendance: 898

team: Evans, Rollo, Power, Jones, Henry, Ford (c), Coupe, Hawkins (Benefield 74), Partridge (Paul 66), Williams, Sykes. subs not used: Wood, Owers, Klukowski.
man of the match: Steve Jones
scorers: none
bookings: Rollo (44)
officials: A Watts (Kidderminster), J Curtis (Evesham), R Thomas (Worcester)

league position: 9th form: dWdWWd next match: Stamford (H)

With two local derbies against in-form opposition City would almost certainly have accepted four points out of the six on offer over the Easter weekend. However, after their stunning second half performance that swept aside league leaders Chippenham Town with a four-goal salvo they would have gone into the meeting with tenants Team Bath looking to secure a second victory that would have put them firmly back into the Southern League play-off picture. Typically, though, in a season that has been one frustration after another, particularly at Twerton Park, they were left disappointed after a goalless stalemate that neither side ever really looked like breaking.

Understandably Gary Owers largely stuck with the side that had turned around the 2-0 half time deficit at Chippenham, which meant available again Martin Paul had to settle for a place on the bench, although he was forced into recalling Steve Jones in place of Chris Holland, whose loan deal prevented him playing against his employers. The University-based side came into the game on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run that had all but removed their relegation fears and the opening exchanges were largely confined to the middle of the pitch. When they did get forward Alex Sykes and Jim Rollo both saw half chances come and go. In reply Team Bath’s Jaukovic saw his 12th minute shot blocked by Henry. It wasn’t until the 24th minute that City created a clear-cut opening. Sykes’ corner was knocked down by Matt Coupe to Leigh Henry. He turned it goalward but, with keeper Chitty beaten, Maye was perfectly placed to clear the effort off the line. This was as close as City would come during the half as Team Bath comfortably dealt with what threat they could generate.

Having just about edged the first half after the break the ‘visitors’ began to pose a greater menace. Lewis forced Paul Evans into his first real save of the match, getting down well to his 51st minute shot, and then the same player shot over after a good build-up opened up City’s defence. On the hour mark City almost took the lead when John Williams got the better of former City defender Tom Gould on the right side of the area. With Sykes unmarked on the far side of the box he choose to play the ball to Scott Partridge. Unfortunately his first touch was poor and before he could shoot or play it onto Sykes he was closed down, and the chance was gone. Six minutes later Partridge was replaced by Paul but the change had little impact on City’s attacking threat and within moments a mistake by Henry almost gifted Team Bath the lead. He gave the ball to Jaukovic but recovered to block the striker’s shot. Nine minutes from time Sykes fired a corner to the edge of the box where Jones sent a header looping toward goal only for Chitty to acrobatically tip it over the bar. This turned out to be the final chance for either side leaving City to reflect on a fairly good Easter weekend, but in common with so much of their season one that could have been just a little bit better.