Page 6 - Bath City v Havant & Waterlooville - Saturday 24 October - FA Cup

FROM THE BOARDROOM

to the field this afternoon full of whom have been on furlough for
hope and optimism. months and have experienced a
On the matter of streaming – summer of great uncertainty. And
we’re making progress. We have thank you for your passionate
upgraded our equipment and support. Although we can’t see
transmission signal and, at time you at the ground, your energy,
of writing, are working on either enthusiasm and commitment to
improved service provision from the cause shines through via
our existing streaming partner social media, and you embracing
or, indeed, a new provider all everything we try to do for you
together. While we knew streaming from a distance. Let’s hope we’re
was always a possibility, we were all looking forward to a little bit
unable to test it in any pre-season more FA Cup excitement together
friendlies to iron out wrinkles, and at the end of today.
have had to learn on the fly in JON BICKLEY
common with other clubs at our
level and above. But we’re at a
stage now when excuses won’t
wash, and we pledge to have
things to a high standard no later
First of all welcome to our visitors, than the next home league – or
Havant & Waterlooville. As fellow today if all goes well.
travellers in these turbulent times, I mentioned the character of the
we wish you well and a safe team against Winchester, and it
journey home. came to the fore again at Dartford
This is one of the most exciting on Saturday. I was fortunate to
stages of the season, when we make the trip and witness how the
have the chance to win through players strove to keep their focus
to the First Round Proper of the despite an unexpected 45-minute
FA Cup. A dream tie with anyone half-time break. It was instructive
as big as Sunderland, Ipswich, to see them take the responsibility
Charlton, Portsmouth – or (ahem) to run warm-up routines as they
Plymouth could await. But this year geared up for the resumption, and
is different and the dream for fans to hear their rallying calls. We did
would have to be experienced have a lapse that let Dartford take
from the sofa not the terrace – but the lead, but the players stretched
still, what a tonic it would be. every sinew chasing the equaliser
Of course, watching from home and I came away encouraged by
requires the right streaming service the collective will and effort.
and I’ll turn to that soon. The team Lastly, I’d like to thank all our many
showed real character to come volunteers – from our media team
back for victory at home against trying to keep you connected to
Winchester City and then scored things at Twerton Park, to everyone
a notable away win at another keeping the pitch and ground safe
National League South play-off and in good shape – and also
team, Slough Town, so we can take to members of our staff, some of

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