Bath Schools recorded resounding 5-0
victory over Swindon at the University of Bath. Despite the
wet conditions, both teams settled early and used the quick
surface to move the ball on the ground. Both sides sought an
early advantage, but it was the home side that created the
first chances of the match. Impressive runs by Hedges on the
right wing resulted in a number of good crosses into the
Swindon goal area, but strong defensive work from the visitors
meant foiled Oswin and Jacobs. Goodenough in goal produced a
fine one handed save from Jacobs. The deadlock was finally
broken when Bath were awarded a free kick just outside the
left corner of the penalty area. Norris converted with a fine
strike which flew into the top right corner beyond
Goodenough’s reach.
Swindon dug in; Chilcott and Fleming
made important challenges whilst Thomas and Maksymuk tried to
relieve some of the pressure with quick breaks into the Bath
half but the home side closed down quickly to thwart the
visitors’ attacks. Bath were unable to increase their lead
before the interval and Swindon could feel that with only a
slender lead and the advantage of the slope the match was
still very much in the balance. Swindon began the second half
brightly and it was only good defending from Smithies that
prevented Hayden from leveling the scores. Although Swindon
pressed hard some slack passing and poor decision making meant
that Swindon were unable to make the most of their chances. It
came as no surprise when the home side duly increased their
lead. Oswin netted his second; again a free kick from long
range that gave Goodenough little hope of stopping. Rowlands
strong presence in midfield allowed Bath to dominate more and
more of the game.
A third goal followed within five
minutes to effectively end the match as a contest. There were
moments of good individual play from Swindon. The industrious
Philimore hassled and harried in midfield. Allen made timely
interceptions and Thomas showed good awareness to link play on
the right. But Bath proved to be too strong for the visitors
and added a fourth, again through Oswin. A late period of
pressure from Swindon eventually resulted in a corner – their
first of the match. But this was squandered and Bath added to
Swindon’s woes with a fifth goal in the final minutes. A
disappointing result for Swindon in a game that was finely
balanced until the second period. Bath demonstrated what a
talented and well organized team and on this form are unlikely
to suffer too many defeats this
season.
