Bath City manager Scott Bartlett celebrated a crucial victory as the Romans ended a grueling 14-game winless run with a 1-0 triumph over neighbours Chippenham Town in the tense A4 derby.
The match-winning moment arrived deep in stoppage time, with Scott Wilson calmly slotting home in the 94th minute. However, that decisive goal was set up by an exceptional performance between the sticks from goalkeeper Charlie Binns. His series of vital saves kept the Bluebirds at bay and laid the foundation for this hard-fought victory.
This win marked Bartlett’s first since his appointment and came in his debut home match as manager. Despite facing 30 minutes of early pressure from Chippenham, Bath City gradually grew in confidence and resilience as the game wore on.
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Although Chippenham created more chances, they continually met the unbeaten wall that was Binns, who made several crucial saves in the second half to maintain a clean sheet. Scott Wilson, who had struck the post minutes earlier, displayed commendable composure to convert the winning goal at the very last.
Bartlett praised the forward pairing of Scott and Donovan Wilson, noting their effective partnership that combined intelligent movement and strong link-up play. He applauded Scott Wilson’s mental strength, stating, “It takes a strong mentality to miss a one-on-one – if you can call it that – by hitting the post, then remain calm enough to score the winning goal.”
Equally lauded was man of the match Binns, who not only made spectacular saves but also commanded his area with confidence, dealing effectively with Chippenham’s long throws and set-piece deliveries. Bartlett remarked on Binns’ maturity and responsibility despite his youth, emphasizing how critical his kicking and leadership were against a strong Chippenham side.
The game featured intense moments, with Chippenham’s Luke Haines, Caine Bradbury, and Harry Parsons pressing hard but repeatedly denied by Binns’ goalkeeping heroics. Meanwhile, Bath City’s efforts, including opportunities from Owen Windsor, Jordan Alves, and Jaiden Putman, showed growing resolve.
In the dying moments, Donovan Wilson’s smart assist enabled Windsor to set up Scott Wilson’s clinical finish, delivering an electrifying end to a nail-biting derby.
Reflecting on the victory, Bartlett highlighted his team’s competitive spirit and determination despite being underdogs: “It’s been tough, but the players stuck at it and found a way to win. The fans were outstanding and this gives us a foundation to build on.”
Bath City: Binns; Putman, Tomlinson, Parselle, Greenslade; Alves, Raynes, Laqeretabua, Windsor; Ash (S. Wilson 46); D. Wilson.
Subs not used: Horsell, Sweeten, Pritchard, Bowman, Sheppard, Alexander-Walker.
Chippenham Town: Henry; Wanjau-Smith, Haines, Grant, King (Owen-Evans 90+1); Bradbury, Mehew, Fleet (Koszela 80), Phillips; Parsons (Birch 68), Chukwu.
Subs not used: Colwell, Evans, Touray, Wilkie.
Referee: Harry Warner.
Attendance: 2,040.
Chronicle star man: Charlie Binns.