Page 34 - Bath City v Chippenham Town - Saturday 2 January 2021 - VNLS

LOOKING BACK 1989/90 CONTINUED

For some seasons now, before the current one when, John Freegard again setting up Paul Randall to score,
because of the coronavirus, they were done away with this time following a Chris Banks free kick.
to avoid extra games and unnecessary travel, FA Cup Paul Randall was denied his hat trick by a goal-line
replays in the competition proper haven’t taken place clearance midway through the second half, and Dave
in the week immediately following the original tie. That Palmer saw a free kick tipped over, but having failed
wasn’t the case back in 1989 though, and City found to extend their lead, City needed three outstanding
themselves at Craven Cottage for the replay against saves from Jim Preston in the closing minutes to ensure
Fulham just three days after the sides had battled out a that they held on for all three points.
2-2 draw at Twerton Park.
City named an unchanged side for the replay, and
after having to withstand some early pressure from the City finished November with their first ever trip to Yate
home team, stunned them by taking a 5th minute lead. Town for the 1st leg of their 2nd round league cup tie.
Paul Stevens’ long free kick was only headed out as Yate took the lead in the 16th minute after Jim Preston
far as Paul Randall, whose mis-hit shot found its way to had misjudged a corner, Tony Ricketts equalising for
Gary Smart who made no mistake from close range. City thirteen minutes later when the home keeper made
Having gone 2-0 up in the first game, City almost did a similar mistake. Five minutes before half time the
it again in the 19th minute. Paul Randall superbly beat home side regained the lead, Jim Preston’s hesitation
his marker and only a last gasp save from the Fulham from a free kick allowing Iddles to nip in and head
keeper denied him. home.
Sadly for City, a similar Fulham move saw them The second half saw City go up a gear, and they were
equalise six minutes later. Sayer beat Tony Ricketts for level within ten minutes of the restart through a Paul
pace and although Jim Preston in the City goal did well Randall header. They made their superiority count
to stop his shot, he was powerless to prevent Marshall and took the lead 18 minutes later, Dave Singleton
putting the rebound away. rounding off a flowing four man move. With two
minutes left, Paul Randall, who had earlier been
City started the second half as they had the first, and denied by the crossbar, scored his second goal of the
had a great opportunity to regain the lead just seven night and 22nd of the season to see City home 4-2
minutes in. A pinpoint pass from Gary Smart sent Chris and give them one foot in the next round.
Smith away but the Fulham keeper blocked his shot
and neither Paul Randall nor John Freegard could latch LES BINGHAM
on to the rebound.
This let-off clearly inspired Fulham to up their game,
and after Jim Preston had been at full stretch to turn
a free-kick over the bar five minutes later, they took
the lead in controversial circumstances. The resulting
corner appeared to have been headed out by
Fulham’s Elkins, but the referee gave another corner,
which Watson headed in off the crossbar.
City didn’t let their heads drop and had a couple
of chances to equalise, Paul Randall shooting over
after making an opening for himself and Rob Cousins
doing the same after Stannard in the Fulham goal had
spilled Chris Smith’s shot. It wasn’t to be though, but
they could hold their heads high for the way they had
played over the two games.
After the excitement of the two Fulham games and the
trip to Craven Cottage, it was back to reality with a
bump for City as they finished November with visits
to Corby and Yate in the league and league cup
respectively.
It took them just 11 minutes to take the lead at Corby,
Paul Randall scoring after John Freegard had nodded
on Gary Smart’s corner. John Freegard almost
increased the lead shortly after, but then the home
side got on top and deservedly equalised in the 32nd
minute. Corby almost scored again immediately but The Programme from the FA Cup 1st Round replay
four minutes before half time City were back ahead, at Craven Cottage.
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