Darren Way complimented his side’s efforts in their FA Trophy exit to Southend United.
Mark Stillman
14:04, 14 Jan 2026
Darren Way complimented his side’s efforts in their FA Trophy exit to Southend United.
Despite sitting 36 places below the full-time visitors, and having to play with over 70 minutes with ten men, City stayed in the game and nearly forced a third penalty shoot-out in three ties. Ultimately they came up short, but Way remained upbeat.
“I’m extremely proud of that performance,” he said. “It was not easy. “We were up against it after the sending off. I felt we caused Southend a few problems.
“The supporters were getting behind us. They seemed to think we were getting back into the game, especially after that finish from Jordan. It got the crowd on their feet, they stuck with us to the end.
“It was some strike. He’s made excellent contact, the keeper was fully stretched and couldn’t get anywhere near it. It gave us momentum and made us feel like we were getting back into the game.
“It was a great game of football and I feel proud to be manager of Bath City even though we ended on the wrong end of the scoreline.”
With legs tiring on a sapping pitch and 14 days away from action, Way’s four substitutes added a needed freshness.
They included debutant Ruebin Sheppard, signed on a month’s loan from Bristol City, while right-back Jaiden Putman had his loan from QPR extended by another month ahead of Tuesday’s tie.
“I thought the squad did well,” said Way. “They’ve played a really big part tonight. I can’t look at any players that lacked in performance or effort.
“Harvey did extremely well tonight, he made a few match winning sides against a good team who have caused others problems. The players appreciated the crowd’s support after the game as well.”
Goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards also echoed his manager’s pride. “I thought we stuck in the game really well,” he said.
“Going down to ten men quite early was not ideal for us. I still don’t think it was a penalty. Joe’s about five yards away and the ball was smashed at him. That decision has effectively decided the outcome of the game. We fought right until the end but it wasn’t to be.
The City glovesman was eventually beaten three times but made a series of fine saves to keep City in the tie, including Jack Bridge’s first half penalty.
“Me and Horse [Martin Horsell] do our homework all the time,” said Wiles-Richards. “Lucas [Donnelly, analyst] does it too before the game.
“We had a feeling he’d go down the middle. It’s quite brave standing there but it paid off in the end, I was buzzing with that one.
“I couldn’t do much about their second goal. It’s a bit like the one at Chippenham, I was completely wrong-footed. There’s not much you can do, I had to just hopelessly watch it go in.
“Ideally you’d rather have no saves in a game and a clean sheet but I’m there to make those saves, that’s my job. I’m glad I could do it tonight and hoping I can do it more in the future.”
Stood some 70 yards away, the keeper had an ideal view for Jordan Alves’ stunning free-kick. “It was beautiful,” said Wiles-Richards.
“You know if he’s going to work the keeper, nine times out of ten he’ll score. He hits the ball with so much power. Being stood right behind it I could see it move four or five times. As a goalkeeper I know it’s not nice to deal with so as soon as it left his boot I knew it was in.”
Last year’s Player of the Year has been kept on his toes this season by Charlie Binns. Wiles-Richards has started the last three matches after he missed two to become a father for the first time. His son Hudson arrived on November 22, the morning of City’s 2-1 win at Hampton & Richmond.
“Me and the missus had a little argument on the Friday,” joked Wiles-Richards, who was an unused substitute against Bracknell a week earlier in case he was called away.
“I said if he’s not here by 10am I’ll have to be going. She went into labour and he came at 10.52. It was disappointing to miss a game but it was the best day of my life.
“It’s been a bit carnage but our families have been supportive, they know how important football is to me. Binnsy’s come in and been brilliant, he’s supported me as I have with him. We push each other. Overall we’re a very good side and we need to show that again on Saturday.”
City will play their first league game of 2026 this Saturday at Dover Athletic, ko 3pm. “We’ll get prepared for what’s going to be a tough game,” added Way. “We’re looking forward to it.
“There have been a lot of emotions about these games being postponed. We know what it cost the club financially.
“We can’t do anything about it, everyone made a real big effort to get Saturday’s game on. It was nice the lads put on a performance tonight that everyone can be proud of.”