Romans out to upset the FA Cup giantkillers

They face a side that has made football folklore with cup shocks throughout the years, but Bath City manager Gary Owers is relishing a potential turning of the tables against Sutton United.

And with rich Buildbase FA Trophy history behind them, Owers is confident a surprise can be sprung on Saturday afternoon – despite admitting it was the toughest tie they could possibly draw.

The Romans reached the semi-finals as recently as 2014-15 where a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat to North Ferriby United the only thing denying them a place at Wembley.

But the current season has not been as kind for Owers’s charges, unceremoniously dumped out of The Emirates FA Cup by Potters Bar Town – a side two divisions lower in the football pyramid.

It is results like those that Owers, 48, believes can spur his National League South side on – keen to offset patchy league form which has seen them win just one of their last six games. 

“We know what Sutton were about, we saw their FA Cup victory over Cheltenham last week and their win over Coventry all those years ago is pretty historic,” he said.

Sutton United celebrate their Emirates FA Cup second round win over Cheltenham

“We are the underdogs, but it’s something for our players to relish – we know we’re up against it but hopefully that can help us. They may be super confident or it could be difficult for them to come back after their day in the sun.

“For the resources we have, we’re doing well – it’s been a sticky patch in the league but the FA Trophy provides new opportunities, and there are players in our team who got so close to that prize.

“My lads are an honest bunch, but they’ve probably got the hardest draw we could, given the circumstances and the artificial pitch, but we’ll give it our all against a side who we played in the league last year.”

FA Trophy history
Bath City’s semi-final berth a couple of years ago marked the furthest they have been in the competition. Last season was not to be so kind however, as they lost to Bognor Regis Town in third round qualifying.
Sutton United have gone one better, reaching the FA Trophy final in 1981, before losing 1-0 to Bishop’s Stortford – the last time they walked down Wembley Way.

Did you know?
If they are held to a draw at Gander Green Lane, the U’s will head for a replay at Twerton Park, a ground with a capacity of 8,840 – more than double than any others in the league. 
The ground has held plenty more though, with 18,020 turning out for Bath City v Brighton & Hove Albion in 1960.

One to watch
“In Matt Tubbs they’ve got a terrific striker, probably one of the best in non-league,” said Owers. 
“And their wide threats are very impressive, so the defence will have to be sharp.

The prize
A place in the second round awaits as well as a cheque for £5,000.