Bath City to face Barnet in mouthwatering FA Trophy tie

There is always a great sense of anticipation around when the draw for the FA Trophy is taking place and things were no different on Monday the 26th of November. Taking place at the home of football, Wembley Stadium, the draw proved to be a very good one for Bath City as they face former League Two high fliers Barnet in the first round.

The Romans will travel to the Hive to try and put the Bees to the sword but history will be against them. It was back in 1969/70 when they clashed but, on that occasion, Barnet were able to overturn a three-goal deficit and win 4-3 at Twerton Park.

FA TROPHY DRAW: City will travel to @BarnetFC in the FA Trophy First Round on Saturday 15th December!

More details to follow. #Romans #FATrophy pic.twitter.com/EfU5ZTe01f

— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) November 26, 2018

Given that was almost half a century ago, it’s unlikely revenge will be the first thing on the minds of the Bath players. Instead, Bath will use their good form to overcome their London opponents as they have only lost once in their last six fixtures and seem to be building more momentum with every passing game.

As things stand, the Romans are only five points off top spot in the National League South table and it is very much all to play for as the season approaches the crucial winter period. The games come thick and fast over the festive season and, in many ways, a team's season is defined by how well they cope with the plummeting temperatures and demanding fixture list.

It is the same up and down the country and those demands aren’t unique to just the lower leagues. For so long, Manchester City were plagued by the winter blues and, despite all the money they had spent, they were unable to keep an even keel over Christmas and eventually surrendered ground to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United who coped better. However, that has changed since a certain Spaniard arrived at the Etihad.

Punters taking a look at the premier league betting tips from Betting.Betfair will see that Guardiola’s men now look set to retain their Premier League trophy. Pep Guardiola has managed to change the way they cope once the nights draw in and snow becomes a regular occurrence and City look like favourites to enjoy a festive Christmas again. Will the same be said for Bath?

FULL TIME: Horsham 1-2 Bath City. #FATrophy pic.twitter.com/yjErHaDeAM

— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) November 25, 2018

Only time will tell and, very often, the league is given precedence over the cup to ensure the legs are there, come the end of the season. However, in this instance, and after having drawn Barnet away, it seems too good an opportunity not to have a very good go at. After all, Bath City have never won this competition and a win at Barnet could inspire a charge to Wembley.

You only to have to look back at last year's final to see what it means to the players as Brackley Town clinched a dramatic FA Trophy win in a penalty shootout that will make your hairs stand on end.

Barnet’s home ground the Hive punches well above its weight though even if it can only hold 5,176 spectators. Given the right fixture, this little ground can hum and act as the Bee's 12th man when called upon to. Make no mistake, the Romans are on course for a battle of note come the 15th of December and they will have to be at their very best to turn the former League Two mainstays over inside their back garden.