Bath City’s new manager couldn’t prevent familiar late drama as the team conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Eastbourne Borough at Connect Management Stadium on Saturday. After overturning a halftime deficit with goals from Josh Laqeretabua and Alex Fisher, Bath appeared to be headed for a crucial win. However, a 94th-minute header by Will Armitage snatched a point for Eastbourne, leaving both teams still worrying about relegation.
The match began with Eastbourne Borough, struggling alongside Bath at the bottom of the National League South, taking an early lead. The hosts’ goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards made a key save from Quevin Castro, and soon after, Jack Jebb curled a precise shot into the net in the sixth minute. Borough maintained the attacking pressure throughout the first half, with Lee Angol narrowly missing several chances and Kieran Parselle making a vital block.
Bath’s first clear threat came in stoppage time of the first half, with Brad Ash setting up Owen Windsor, whose shot was comfortably saved by Eastbourne’s Rohan Luthra. Josh Laqeretabua also saw an attempt go just wide.
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Player Ratings from Comeback Win at Sale Sharks – ‘Becoming a Fan Favourite’
READ MORE: Johann van Graan’s Masterstroke Secures Bath Rugby Victory Over Sale Sharks
The second half saw Bath City come out with renewed energy. At 51 minutes, Laqeretabua capitalised on a rebound to level the score. Despite Donovan Wilson being denied a strong chance by Dan Quick, Bath pushed forward relentlessly. Their persistence paid off at the 66th minute when Alex Fisher skillfully converted a free-kick, putting Bath ahead for the first time in the match.
Eastbourne pressed hard for a late equaliser, and despite Bath managing to limit most of the threats to long-range efforts, their defensive vulnerability struck again. A well-delivered free-kick from Kai Corbett found Will Armitage, whose 94th-minute header looped over goalkeeper Charlie Binns, snatching a draw that denied Bath a vital win.
Meanwhile, Weston-super-Mare recorded a crucial victory to move into the play-off spots. Although Louis Britton hit the post early on, he capitalised on an opening created by Luke Spokes’ dazzling run to put the Seagulls ahead in the 38th minute. Shortly after the break, loanee Leo Pecover from Bristol City doubled the lead with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area.
Weston came close to extending their lead through Britton and Will Dawes before Eastbourne reduced the deficit in the 67th minute. Matt Robinson connected with a Harry Pritchard corner to pull a goal back for the hosts, but Weston held on for the important win.