Bath City boss says side 'not ruthless enough' after FA Trophy exit

Boss Jerry Gill was left to rue missed opportunities as Bath City were dumped out of the FA Trophy at the fourth round stage.

The Romans were held to a 0-0 draw against Southern League Central outfit Coalville Town, before succumbing to defeat 4-3 on spot-kicks.

Scott Wilson had his spot-kick saved in normal time at Twerton Park, before Jordan Thomas saw his effort hit the upright after cutting in off the right hand side late on.

And with his side coming unstuck from the spot, Gill admitted the Romans lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

He told the club's official Youtube channel: “I don’t think we’ve created that many chances since back to the Weymouth game, where we scored five.

“We are putting loads and loads of balls in the box. We’re not clinical enough with our finishing.

“As a coach, as a manager, there’s not much more we can do. The patterns are there, the balls are going in – but at the moment… I’m not blaming the strikers here.

“Whether you are a striker or a midfield player, sometimes a defender from a set-piece, we’re not ruthless enough. We’re not hitting the target enough.”

He added: “You have to congratulate the opposition I guess because when it goes to penalties it’s a lottery.”

We exit the FA Trophy. #Romans #FATrophy pic.twitter.com/NmUfgkEtGs

— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) January 13, 2024

Bath were forced to draft in young Bristol City goalkeeper Josey Casa Grande at the 11^th hour ahead of the cup contest – with regular keeper Will Buse suffering a broken finger in training on Thursday.

And while he was on the wrong end of the shootout outcome, Casa Grande did step up to save a spot-kick from Andy Thanoj just before half-time.

“We had until 12 o’clock the next day to get a goalkeeper,” said Gill.

“I have to say how fantastic young Josey was - 18 years of age to come into an environment. His emotional control and attitude to the game, very calm. I thought he was excellent."

(Picture: Bath City FC Youtube)