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Tuesday 3 February 2004 - Twerton Park - kick off 7.45pm Dr Martens Premier Division 
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| half-time: 0-0 | result: D1-1 | attendance: 486 |
| team: | Evans, Rollo, Shore, Coupe, Jones (c), Ford, Jeffries, Owers, Eaton (Cleverley 76), Partridge, Hawkins. subs not used: Shuttlewood, Harvey, Bridges, Klukowski. |
| man of the match: | Scott Partridge |
| scorers: | Partridge (90) |
| bookings: | Partridge (23) |
| officials: | R Marsh (Waterlooville), K Pike (Gillingham), S Waterson (Waterlooville) |
| league position: 22nd | form: LdLLLD | next match: Dvoer (A) |
Just as it looked as if City’s goalscoring drought would stretch to an almost unbelievable sixth game they finally got a break in front of goal and salvaged an injury-time equaliser against high-flying Worcester City. The scorer was recent signing Scott Partridge who in the process of ending the team’s 542 minute wait for a goal also broke his duck in black and white stripes. The dramatic late events also gave City a small measure of retribution for their seven goal humiliation at the hands of Worcester back in September and meant the Midlands side have now gone 22 years since their last league win at Twerton Park.
With Steve Jenkins suspended City were forced into playing midfielder Drew Shore in defence which meant both full back roles were occupied by out-of-position players – Jim Rollo continuing at right-back. They did welcome into the starting line-up for his league debut keeper Paul Evans and he produced an excellent performance. One other absentee was Frankie Bennett, laid low with a virus. Josh Jeffries taking his position on the right flank. The bench also saw a welcome return for Iain Harvey after his spell at Yate Town recovering from a broken ankle suffered in pre-season. On a heavy pitch and in almost continuous rain the first half was a largely uneventful affair. Worcester did show some neat passing but they were denied any clear openings by a well-marshalled City defence. In fact the best chance fell to the home side on 14 minutes. Jason Eaton’s through ball allowed Darren Hawkins to race toward goal. He somewhat scuffed his shot but a slight deflection off retreating defender Heeley almost carried it inside the far post. Beyond this the lowest Twerton Park crowd of the season had little to make them feel jealous of those who had stayed at home to watch Eastenders or (God, forbid) I’m a Non-entity, Get Me Out of Here.
The second half had to be an improvement and it was the visitors who finally stepped up a gear, although not before Eaton has sliced a good chance for City well wide. The hour mark saw Owen unleash a well-struck volley that Evans pushed away at full stretch. And seven minutes later they took the lead. A long punt up field was flicked on by Stanley and, with the City defence looking on, Kelly ran clear before confidently shooting past Evans. As in so many games previously that looked to be it for City as they struggled to find a way back into the match. With ten minutes remaining Kelly should have put the result beyond doubt but this time Evans blocked his goalbound shot. City had replaced Eaton with Danny Cleverley just before this escape and he, at least, created some space to send a rising shot inches over the bar. That looked as good as it was going to get for City until they won a free-kick down the right with the 90 minutes up on the clock. Steve Jones lifted it into the box where it was flicked on by Jeffries. Partridge collected it and, after rounding keeper McDonnell, produced a cool finish from a tight angle. As unexpected as it was welcome the delight and relief around the ground was understandable and the hope is now that it is the start of better days ahead.