MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham Town vs Bath City | National League South | Thursday 26th December 2024
Harry Minton previews our #A4Derby clash at home to Bath
Boxing Day brings a special atmosphere to Hardenhuish Park as Chippenham Town welcomes Bath City in the eagerly anticipated A4 Derby. A fixture that unites most of Chippenham, it’s a day when the Bluebirds take on their fierce rivals, the Romans, in what could be the biggest meeting between these sides in recent years.
This season’s clash is particularly significant as Bath City recently underwent a managerial change. After seven years in charge, Jerry Gill parted ways with the Somerset club last month. On December 23rd, Bath announced Darren Way as their new permanent head coach. Way takes over from interim manager Lee Kendall, who managed two wins, one draw, and three defeats in his six league games. Kendall’s tenure ended with a commanding 3-0 victory over Aveley, lifting Bath seven points clear of the relegation zone. Notably, Kendall will stay on as assistant manager under Way, who last managed Yeovil Town in 2019 during their relegation from the Football League.
Bath’s struggles this season are no secret, particularly in front of goal. They are the second-lowest scorers in the league, ahead of only bottom-placed Weymouth. A significant blow to their attack came with the summer departure of Cody Cooke to Torquay United. Cooke, the fourth-highest scorer in the league last season with 18 goals, has already netted nine times for Torquay, who currently top the National League South.
For Chippenham Town, the odds are stacked against them. Since their promotion from the Southern League in 2017, the Bluebirds have not beaten Bath City at home. The seven-game run includes three draws and four defeats. Last season, Chippenham narrowly lost 2-1 at Hardenhuish Park, despite dominating much of the game. Bath’s Scott Wilson and Cody Cooke (from the penalty spot) scored for the visitors, while Dan Ellison pulled one back late on for Chippenham.
Several players in this derby have connections to both clubs. Freddie Grant, now a Bluebird, famously scored a late equalizer for Bath at Hardenhuish Park in 2020. That game also featured Will Henry and Tom Mehew, who have since moved to Chippenham. Former Bath player Tommy Conway, now at Bristol City, and Kalas Lolos, who currently plays for Bolton Wanderers in League One, were also involved in that match.
Despite Bath’s struggles on the road, with their last away league win coming in October, form often counts for little in derby matches. Gary Horgan’s Chippenham side will hope to break their winless home streak in the A4 Derby and deliver a memorable performance for the home fans.
Can the Bluebirds finally claim a Boxing Day victory over their rivals? The stage is set for an electrifying encounter.
Come on, you Bluebirds!
