Charlie Binns emerged as the decisive hero for Bath City on Saturday, saving three penalties—including a crucial retake—to clinch a dramatic FA Trophy shootout win over Dorking Wanderers. The match was fiercely contested, with Jordan Alves’ spectacular free-kick forcing the game into extra time after 90 minutes ended level.
Bath City started brightly, with Alves, Brad Ash, and Joe Raynes all coming close but failing to beat Dorking’s goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes early on. However, the visitors struck first in the 18th minute through Patrick Casey, who controlled the ball expertly before slotting it home. Bath almost conceded again soon after, but Binns made a vital save to keep the scoreline close.
Steadying their nerves, the Romans improved their play, matching the opposition for the remainder of the first half. Despite some half-chances on both sides, the teams went into halftime with Bath trailing by a single goal.
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Early in the second half, Bath City intensified their pressure. Brad Ash’s curling shot struck the crossbar in the 48th minute, and moments later, after Ash was fouled 25 yards from goal, Jordan Alves delivered a stunning free-kick into the top corner to equalize.
With momentum swinging in Bath’s favor, several opportunities followed. Joe Raynes shot just over on 55 minutes, and Danny Greenslade had a low shot blocked by Foulkes at close range shortly after. Jordan Tillson headed a promising center over the bar in the 65th minute. Then, on 72 minutes, Owen Windsor raced clear but was denied by an excellent leg save from Foulkes.
As the match neared its conclusion, Dorking sought to regain control and mounted some late pressure. A close-range shot was brilliantly blocked by Joe Raynes, but they could not prevent the match from heading to a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved to be a showcase for Binns’ heroics. The first four penalties were successfully converted by Alves and Raynes for Bath, and Casey and George Francomb for Dorking. Binns then saved from Carter, giving Bath the advantage. Greenslade scored Bath’s next penalty, but Dorking’s James McShane saw his shot saved by Binns. Although the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken due to Binns leaving his line early, the goalkeeper saved again, keeping Bath in control.
Owen Windsor then sealed the victory with a perfectly placed penalty, booking Bath City’s place in Monday’s last-32 draw. The Romans will face Southend United at home, a fitting reward for their thrilling performance.