Pre-season Friendly
Saturday 15 July 2006 - Twerton Park - kick off 3.00pm
half-time: 0-2 result: L0-2 attendance: 935
team: Evans (Fey 75), Rollo (c), S Jones (Thorne 62), Holland (Coupe 45), Holloway (G Jones 45), Hogg, Davidge (Green 45), Rogers, Walsh, Partridge (Ingram 75), McKeever. subs not used: Hulbert, Pearson, York.
man of the match: Lewis Hogg
scorers: none
bookings: none
officials: n/a
league position: n/a form: -----L next match: Calne (A)
Report taken from by Richard Gadsby

It looked like it was going to be a mauling at one stage and Rovers never really moved out of second gear, but the rising tide of optimism currently carrying Bath City to the start of the season continues to swell after a more than respectable defeat against League 2 also-rans Bristol Rovers. City, who have yet again been installed as British Gas Business Southern Premier Division favourites, looked sharp against their full-time opponents, despite having just a handful of training sessions since returning from post-season. Boss John Relish experimented with personnel rather than formations and, when his strongest team were on the pitch, at the start of the second half, they arguably looked the better side. In truth, though, the result was never in doubt from the second minute onwards.

The game had barely kicked off when a through-ball caught City's defence napping and Junior Agogo raced clear. His initial shot was poor, but Paul Evans' reaction save rebounded right back to the Rovers striker. Agogo unselfishly teed up Sammy Igoe whose inch-perfect lob could only be forced into the roof of the net off the head of last-man Jon Holloway. It was an ominous opening for City but, to their credit, they responded well and more than played their part in an exciting opening spell. Rovers always had that extra touch of class though with Andy Sandell playing well on his return to Twerton Park. It was no surprise when Steve Elliott made it 2-0 with a close-range header from a Sandell free-kick and, at that stage, a heavy defeat looked on the cards despite an even start. An unfamiliar, and shaky, defence were forced to ride their luck as Rovers wasted more chances, but Relish's side responded with their best spell of the half. A great move between Scott Partridge, the impressive Scott Rogers and Mark McKeever down the left led to a deep cross to the far post. Phillip Walsh dived to meet it, but his stretching header went inches wide from a yard out. Minutes later, Rovers keeper Scott Shearer completely misread a long clearance and allowed the ball to run past him. Partridge just failed to reach the loose ball with the goal at his mercy. Rovers took control for the rest of the half, but City weathered the storm and brought regular centre-half pairing Matt Coupe and Gethin Jones on at half-time.

It proved a crucial move as City went on to dominate most of the second half thanks, largely, to the no-nonsense tackling of Coupe and excellent midfield work from Lewis Hogg - the pick of the new signings. Fellow new boy Mark McKeever showed flashes of brilliance, but looked short of pace and fitness, and Mike Green also did well, but it was Hogg, already looking a better player than previous midfield lynchpin Adie Harris, who played like he had a point to prove to his former club. Rovers struggled to get out of their own half, but managed to restrict City to half-chances with Hogg, Partridge and Green all coming close. Openings started to dry up in the blistering summer sun and, inevitably, Rovers' superior fitness began to show, despite six substitutions from City. An excellent run from Lewis Haldane, which saw him twist past two players before forcing substitute keeper Richard Fey into a good stop, sparked a spell of late pressure from Rovers, but City held on easily.