The Isuzu FA Trophy

Bath City's Trophy run 'a lovely journey', says Howells

Friday 27 Feb 2015
Action from the first leg at Twerton Park (Photo: Simon Howe)

Bath City boss Lee Howells says The FA Trophy campaign has been a "lovely journey" and reaching the last four will help generate interest in the club. 

Howell's side head to North Ferriby for the semi-final second-leg following a 2-0 Somerset Premier Cup quarter-final defeat to Paulton Rovers on Tuesday. 

But Bath eyes are firmly cast on Saturday's clash at Grange Lane – with Howells making significant alterations to his squad.

North Ferriby v Bath City (2-2)

The FA Trophy
Semi-Final second-leg
3pm, Saturday 28 February
Grange Lane

City found themselves having it all to do in the first-leg with North Ferriby going into a two-goal lead. But with half an hour remaining Bath fought back with goals from Dave Pratt and Nick McCootie to keep the tie finely poised. 

Howells said: "It was a good game and very competitive, we were 2-0 down and then brought it back to two each at the very end, which keeps the tie alive. 

"With the second-leg being away it's going to be difficult, but that is football. 

"In the last half an hour we played well scoring the two goals and getting the momentum at the end was good for us. 

"We will go there with confidence, we have played well away from home in the league this season so that bodes well for us." 

Dave Pratt scores for Bath (Photo: Simon Howe)

Dave Pratt scored on of Bath's goals in the first-leg

This is the furthest the Southern club has ever reached in the competition - getting as far as the Third Round prior to this season. 

And with the club currently being up for sale, Howells feels that making the televised Final would also be beneficial for the club in terms of attracting potential suitors. 

"It would be fantastic – it's like a Championship team getting to The FA Cup Final – it's great. 

"It has been a lovely journey and it puts the club up there with some of the best clubs in The FA Trophy and it raises the club's profile, which generates interest in us. 

"To get this far is fantastic."

Early bird tickets for The FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 29 March, are on sale now, starting from £7.50.

Get yours here

By FA Staff