Bath City manager Scott Bartlett has acknowledged that the club is enduring an “identity crisis” after their recent exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Weymouth.
The Dorset-based Weymouth, competing a tier below Bath City this season, secured a 2-0 victory at Twerton Park with second-half goals from Brooklyn Genesini and Tor Swann.
This lacklustre performance continued Bath City’s long-standing difficulties in the FA Cup, as the Romans have now missed out on reaching the first round proper for 15 consecutive seasons.
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The defeat was the third loss in eight days for Bath City, who also suffered league defeats against Uxbridge and Frome earlier in the week.
Reflecting on the match, Bartlett said: “Even during the moments we played well, the quality wasn’t there. We had five or six promising deliveries in the first half, but apart from one clear move outside the box, we failed to create meaningful chances.”
He added, “We struggled to break through their defence and lacked the penetration needed to threaten. While we were working hard, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to win games.”
Bartlett went on to express concerns about the team’s current state, suggesting they are struggling to find their style of play. “We’ve made several changes in an attempt to refresh the squad, but as the game slowed and became stop-start, we found it hard to regain momentum. Even some of our better players were not performing at their usual level. Perhaps we’ve set our expectations too low by accepting subpar performances.”
Taking responsibility for the recent poor results, Bartlett stated, “The responsibility ultimately lies with me, but the players must also acknowledge their role. When we’ve recognised good performances, it may not have been enough to achieve our goals.”
He continued, “We are on a run of three disappointing results in succession and there’s no avoiding accountability. Players need to stay committed, and those out of the team should reflect on the reasons why. We’ve lost many games over the last few years and must change our culture. I believed we were making progress at the end of last season, but old habits are creeping back in.”
Weymouth arrived at Twerton Park undefeated this season, a confidence evident in their early attacking play. They delivered several dangerous crosses and corners, although their only clear chance saw Swann head over the bar.
Bath City gradually found their footing, with goalkeeper Gez Benfield forced to tip away an ambitious 40-yard shot from Callum Wood and a similar effort from Enzio Boldewijn.
A corner sparked a frantic goalmouth scramble, but despite Wilson’s blocked attempt and ensuing melee, the Romans failed to capitalise.
Despite moments of pressure from Bath City, including attempts by Raynes and Wilson, Weymouth’s goalkeeper remained alert, comfortably handling tame efforts.
At the start of the second half, Weymouth’s former Roman Mitch Beardmore missed a loose touch, allowing Bath City’s defence to block his shot. However, the visitors scored first from a swift counter-attack following a Bath corner. Swann raced down the right flank and crossed for substitute Genesini, who headed the ball into the far corner with two attackers unmarked inside the box.
For the remaining 30 minutes, Weymouth defended resolutely as Bath City struggled to create chances. The visitors nearly extended their lead on several counters, with one effort from Swann denied by keeper Harvey Wiles-Richards.
Bath City continued to press, with Pedro Elawar forcing Benfield into a save from a powerful strike and Alex Fisher’s shot cleared off the line from a corner.
Wiles-Richards made a vital save by smothering a close-range shot from Toby Holmes following another Weymouth break.
In the final moments, Wiles-Richards joined the attack for a last-minute corner, but Weymouth cleared, setting up Swann to score into an empty net and secure the Terras’ victory.
Bartlett summed up: “We have a lot of work ahead. Our play was hopeful but lacked purpose. We tried various tactical changes-shifting formations and increasing our attack-but still lacked quality.”
“It’s primarily my responsibility, but the players must maintain a positive attitude. Good things are happening here, and once we find consistency, Bath City will be a challenging team for any opponent. At present, however, we are seen as a team with vulnerabilities that others can exploit.”