Relegated Bath City delivered a stunning performance to claim their first away win of 2026, defeating second-placed Dorking Wanderers and ending a 13-game road winless run. Goals by Matt Bowman, Alex Fisher, and Donovan Wilson secured a memorable victory for the Romans, who had little to play for this season but showed remarkable spirit.
The defeat was a significant blow for Dorking Wanderers, who missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on Worthing’s loss at Maidstone United and effectively ended their title hopes.
Bath City’s goalkeeper Charlie Binns, making a late inclusion following Harvey Wiles-Richards’ withdrawal, was a standout performer. At just 20 years old, Binns produced several key saves throughout the match to frustrate Dorking’s attacking efforts.
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Dorking started strongly, with early attempts testing Binns, including a swift shot from Charlie Carter that was expertly saved. However, Bath City struck first in the 20th minute. A clever one-two between Josh Laqeretabua and Matt Bowman allowed Bowman to delicately finish over the goalkeeper, giving the visitors the lead.
Both sides pushed forward in a fast-paced game. Worthing’s Harry Pinchard struck the post, while Jordan Alves missed a close chance for Bath City. Former City player Sam Pearson also tested the visitors late in the first half but couldn’t find the net.
Dorking responded well after halftime, and Pinchard’s corner found Brennan Camp, who equalized with a neat header, his 10th goal from defense this season. With news filtering through that Worthing were losing, the pressure mounted on Dorking to regain the lead and keep title hopes alive.
Bath City stunned the hosts again in the 77th minute. Scott Wilson intercepted a loose ball inside Dorking’s penalty area and squared for Alex Fisher, who calmly finished to restore the lead. Fisher nearly added a second immediately afterward, but a controversial penalty claim for simulation denied him a spot-kick.
Dorking pressed for another equalizer but were repeatedly denied by Binns, whose reflex saves kept Bath City ahead. On 84 minutes, Donovan Wilson sealed the victory with a powerful strike from close range after a scramble in the box, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Despite the loss, Dorking’s goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes received individual awards post-match, underscoring his fine season. Bath City’s win, however, was a morale booster for their traveling supporters, providing hope and positivity in what has been a challenging campaign.
Although Bath City’s relegation position remains unchanged, their spirited victory at Meadowbank marks a bright moment as they approach the final weeks of the season.