Bath City 0-1 York City
Conference National
Tuesday 27th March 2012 – 19:45

With little time to recover from Saturday’s debacle in Stockport, Bath City were given another game to test the nerves just a few days later. This time it was against decent opposition, in what would be our final game of the season, and quite possibly for years, against a so called “big club” – the mighty York City.

I have a personal affiliation with The Minstermen (not to be confused with Mr. Men, although for the purpose of this blog, they will be). Despite spending almost my entire life in the West Country, I was born in York, and lived not far from their Bootham Crescent ground (although I was far too young to remember any of that). Therefore, although Bath City is my true love, I do wish York City well… except last night.

It was a very warm March evening and it felt as if it could be August – the start of a new football season. I wish it was the start of the season. Not this season though. I don’t want to have to go through that again. Roll on August 2012 – whatever league we’re in.

It's Bath City against York City... and it's live!

Bath City started the game well and managed to contain York. They were even able to create chances themselves. In one instance forcing an error from York keeper, Michael Ingham, who failed to control the ball and forced it out for a corner. Luckily for Mr Clumsy, Bath City have not scored from a corner all season and tonight would be the same.

Handshake shot

Twerton Park has been known for its loud atmosphere in recent years, mainly thanks to the superb Legion, although things did seem very subdued yesterday. Mr Quiet was happy with that. The crowd of 565, which included 130 from York, did not help matters. I know all clubs have their glory supporters, but bloody hell, you would expect a few more locals to turn up and stick with their team. There was almost 5,000 fans against Woking in the Play Off Final, down to under 600 last night. Embarrassing. One fan did pipe up, breaking the silence, but that was only to shout to his dad that his cup of tea was leaking.

York City are a decent side and it is clear why they are in contention for promotion (which I hope they win). However, they have some of the biggest moaners in the whole of non-league football – although are still yet to surpass Southport on the whinge-scale. I am sure I spotted referee, Michael Bull, taking a painkiller at half time for a headache, after getting whined at my Mr. Grumble for an entire 45 minutes.

I do, however, take my hat off to the York player, Mr. Bump, who pulled off a particularly spectacular fall. Not only was the dive impressive, but he managed to roll almost halfway UP the Twerton slope. That takes some doing. Well done.

In the second half the goal which would seal The Minstermen’s win was scored. A mistake at the back by Sekani Simpson, gifting the ball to the York forward, who slotted home with a professional finish. I hope the fans had a good look, as you won’t see many finishes like that next season; although expect to see more errors like Simpson’s, luckily, from the opposition too.

York were not happy with the scoreline at 1-0 and became frustrated, goalkeeper Michael Ingham blaming his back four for a mistake and referring them very loudly as “fucking pricks”. Mr. Clumsy has now been renamed Mr. Rude.

The abuse from the shot-stopped must have fell on deaf-ears as Bath City began to create chances themselves, causing the York defence problems. Marley Watkins, on as a substitute after in injury layoff, making an excellent run and setting up Scott Murray, who sadly blasted wide. You can read all about Scott Murray’s miss on his Twitter account – @scotty_murray

Last game of the season under the floodlights... unless we make the play offs

As I have mentioned numerous times on my blog in recent weeks, Twerton Park has become a haven for moaning supporters. I seem to remember a visit to Woking’s Kingfield Stadium, which has its very own “Moaners Corner”, where old men can go and complain to their hearts delight. I would suggest Bath City do the same at Twerton Park, but it would probably be occupied with over half the crowd. The moaners were not too bad yesterday. Despite losing, the performance was pleasing and the majority of those in attendance had not witnessed the catastrophe at Stockport. As the second half was played out and it became apparent that we would lose again, one supporter, well-known for complaining, did ask his friend “when was the last time we won a game?” – Clearly forgetting the victory over Lincoln City less than a fortnight ago. I know that performance wasn’t great, but we did actually win!

City did have a chance to equalise very late on in the game, when a Marley Watkins backheel, similar to his goal against Lincoln was cleared off the line. Despite questions from those around me, it didn’t go in. There were no appeals from the players or those supporters behind the goal. Unless everyone had just given up at that point.

The sight of a Manchester City scout in the ground fuelled rumours that Jamie Cook is on his way to Eastlands

Overall, a much improved performance. Very disappointing result, as I feel a draw would have been deserved. Hopefully the remaining games of the season can be enjoyed as it will be a different standard of football next season – I’ve almost forgotten the ‘hoofball’.

Good luck to York City. As the club from the city of my birth, I genuinely wish them all the best for the rest of the season. You never know, if Bath City have a free weekend, Sean’s Stories may make a visit to watch you next year at Bristol Rovers… or Forest Green.

Now onto Saturday for the visit of Fleetwood Town. They sound tinpot. 3 points in the bag, surely. Where are they in the league?