Preview – Bath City (H) - Saturday 25th January

Wealdstone will look to go one better from their previous encounter with Bath City, where they claimed a well-deserved point and clean sheet, in a goalless draw with the Romans. It is first versus second position in this highly anticipated clash of the National League South heavyweights, as both sides will be looking to gain the upper hand in the race automatic promotion.

THE DETAILS

Wealdstone vs. Bath City

National League South

The Vale, HA4 6JQ

Saturday 25th January, 3:00pm kick-off

THE CONTEXT

Fresh from producing an outstanding comeback and performance last Saturday, defeating strong promotion contenders Havant & Waterlooville at Westleigh Park, the Stones will look to continue their imperious form. Wealdstone boast a seven-point lead over Bath City, and have won 11 of their last 12 home matches in the league, while securing four clean sheets in their last five outings at The Vale. However, the Romans do hold the best defensive record in the league, having conceded the fewest goals; while they have not lost a match since November, when they were beaten by Havant & Waterlooville.

TEAM NEWS

Jack Jebb and Michael Phillips will bolster Dean Brennan’s midfield options, as both players will be available, having served their one match suspension last week. Brennan will also be delighted to welcome the return of Norwich City loanee goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. He has not played for the Stones since their draw with Dorking Wanderers in early November, due to long-term injury.

FORM GUIDE

Wealdstone:

Havant & Waterlooville (A) 2-4 (Efete, Emmanuel x2, Green)

Welling United (H) 1-0 (Efete)

Billericay Town (A) 3-1 (Okimo)

Oxford City (A) 3-2 (Mendy, Coombes)

Slough Town (H) 2-1 (Efete, Lafayette)

Bath City:

Hemel Hempstead (H) 0-2 (Smith, Stearn)

Concorde Rangers (A) 1-1 (Smith)

Billericay Town (H) 2-1 (Artus, Stearn)

Chippenham Town (A) 1-3 (Brunt, Smith, Britton)

Hampton & Richmond (A) 0-0

WHO TO WATCH FOR

Tom Smith: Midfielder Smith has been in excellent form for Bath City this season, having already been named Vanarama National League South Player of the Month in December. Currently, top scorer for the Romans this season, Smith has scored an impressive 10 league goals from his midfield position.

LAST TIME OUT

When both sides met at Twerton Park in December, it was a stalemate, as both sides defended resolutely and cancelled each other out. Despite a couple of chances for either side, a draw was a very fair result, as Wealdstone took a well-earned away point from a very cagey and competitive encounter.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Played – 13

Wealdstone - 5

Draw – 4

Bath City – 4

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

December 2019: Bath City 0-0 Wealdstone

May 2019: Bath City 1 - 3 Wealdstone (Sheppard, Monakana, Pratt)

March 2019: Bath City 1-1 Wealdstone OG (Cundy)

November 2018: Wealdstone 3-3 Bath City OG (Straker), Charles x2)

April 2018: Wealdstone 2-1 Bath City (Sheppard, Olomowewe)

Preview by Nicole Cho-Yee