Bath City, Taunton Town, and Frome Town have all advanced to the first round proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy following impressive performances in their third qualifying round ties held on Saturday.
Bath City delivered a commanding 3-0 win away at Plymouth Parkway, halting the home side’s nine-game unbeaten streak. Matt Bowman opened the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark, with Reuben Reid doubling the lead just five minutes later. In the second half, Enzio Boldewijn sealed the victory for the Romans.
Taunton Town secured a thrilling 3-2 victory at Havant & Waterlooville, courtesy of a Jay Murray hat-trick. Murray struck early to give Taunton the lead in the 12th minute, but Ethan Giwa-McNeil equalised just before half-time. Murray then added two more goals after the interval, although Dylan Rees narrowed the deficit five minutes from time.
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Among other regional clubs, Frome Town emerged successful in a penalty shoot-out against Willand following a 1-1 draw. The Robins were initially behind after Jude Horn’s goal in the 73rd minute, but Archie Ferris equalised ten minutes later. In the shoot-out, goalkeeper Kyle Phillips saved two penalties, enabling Jon Davies to convert the winning spot kick for a 4-2 shoot-out triumph.
Unfortunately, Chippenham Town were narrowly defeated 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Weymouth. Despite goals from Felix Miles and Alex Kieh for the Bluebirds, luck was not on their side during the shoot-out. Similarly, Yate Town were edged out 5-4 on penalties by visiting Sholing following a goalless draw.
In other league action, Weston-super-Mare suffered a 4-3 loss in an entertaining match. After Seagulls skipper Sam Avery’s clearance was blocked, Owen Dean capitalised by flicking the ball over goalkeeper Max Harris for the opening goal. Luke Skinner’s forward pass led to Derrick equalising on a rebound, but Farnham swiftly regained the lead through Daryl Sanders, who scored twice, including one goal deflected by Caden Voice. Late in the game, Jagger Cane’s headed goal set up a dramatic finish. This defeat leaves Weston-super-Mare fifth in the table, two points behind leaders Maidstone United.