Bath City 2-2 Newport City: Friendly Thriller Ends in Four-Goal Spectacle

Twerton Park provided the backdrop for an entertaining international club friendly on July 25, 2026, as Bath City and Newport City played out a 2-2 draw. Both sides used the match to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new season, but the competitive edge was clear to see in a game that swung back and forth.

Match Overview

Bath City started strongly and took the lead in the 12th minute when forward Joe Rayner finished from close range after a corner was not cleared. Newport City responded well, equalising through a composed finish from Ethan Hughes in the 28th minute after a swift counter-attack.

The second half saw Bath regain the lead in the 53rd minute with a stunning long-range strike from midfielder Sam Matthews. However, Newport City showed resilience once again, levelling the match in the 67th minute when substitute Liam Price headed home from a free-kick. Neither side could find a late winner, as the game ended in a deserved draw for both.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal Bath City: Rayner pokes home from a goalmouth scramble.
• 28' – Goal Newport City: Hughes slots past the keeper after a neat through ball.
• 53' – Goal Bath City: Matthews unleashes a fierce drive from 25 yards into the top corner.
• 67' – Goal Newport City: Price's powerful header from a set piece restores parity.

Standout Players

Bath City's Sam Matthews was a constant threat in midfield, while Newport City's Ethan Hughes showed sharp movement up front. Both goalkeepers made solid saves to keep the score level in the final minutes.

What It Means

For Bath City, the friendly offered valuable minutes for the squad ahead of their upcoming National League South campaign. Newport City, preparing for their league season, will take confidence from their fighting spirit. The result was a fair reflection of an open and entertaining contest.