Bath City endured a heavy 3-0 defeat at home against play-off hopefuls Maidenhead United, marking their 20th loss in 40 league games this season. Goals from Josh Popoola, Josh Umerah, and Alfie Pendlebury secured Maidenhead’s fifth consecutive victory over the Romans, with an overwhelming aggregate score of 17-3 stretching back a decade.
This match handed Scott Bartlett his first loss as Bath City manager, as the team now faces a daunting 14-game winless run—their longest since 2001—and the real threat of relegation, which could be sealed as soon as Easter Monday.
Despite Kieran Parselle making his 200th appearance, injuries plagued Bartlett’s squad, ruling out key players including Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes, Jack Batten, and others. Early in the game, Alex Fisher was forced off due to injury, further destabilizing the team.
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Maidenhead capitalized on Bath’s disruptions and dominated the first half. After sustained pressure and 11 corners, Popoola opened the scoring at 31 minutes as Bath’s goalkeeper Charlie Binns failed to claim a corner. Maidenhead extended their lead just before halftime when Jayden Mitchell-Lawson was fouled in the box, resulting in Josh Umerah converting a penalty.
Although Bath showed signs of urgency near the end of the first half, Maidenhead’s defense, led by goalkeeper Jordi van Stappershoef, held firm after the break. The hosts added a third goal when substitute Alfie Pendlebury nodded in a corner just seven minutes after entering the game. Bath’s injuries continued to mount as Ollie Tomlinson hobbled off, compounding their woes.
This defeat marked Bath City’s 16th match of the season without scoring and underscored the gap between their current level and the demands of the National League South. Manager Bartlett remains realistic but optimistic, acknowledging the uphill battle ahead: “It’s going to be really difficult for us to stay in this division… But I quite enjoyed the game. I enjoyed the effort the lads showed and the relationship between the players and supporters. The supporters were magnificent again.”
Looking ahead, Bath City prepare to host fellow strugglers Chippenham Town on Good Friday in what promises to be a fiery A4 Derby. Both clubs sit in the relegation zone, likely facing life in Southern Premier South next season.
Bartlett is eager for the challenge: “Friday will be a brilliant occasion… Both sets of players will relish playing in it. It’ll be a challenge but one I’m looking forward to.”
Maidenhead United 3 (Popoola 31; Umerah 45+1 pen; Pendlebury 72) Bath City 0
Line-ups:
Maidenhead United: van Stappershoef; Onariase, de Havilland, Bartley; Mitchell-Lawson (Ragguette 57), Robinson (Odelusi 73), Clerima (Pritchard 76), Cochrane; Yearwood; Umerah (Pendlebury 65), Popoola (May-Parrott 77). Sub not used: Browne.
Bath City: Binns; Tomlinson (Alexander-Walker 68), Parselle, Greenslade; Putman, Laqeretabua, Sheppard, Windsor; Alves; D Wilson (Sweeten 80), Fisher (S Wilson 13). Subs not used: Horsell, Ash, Pritchard.
Referee: Gary Parsons
Attendance: 958
Star player: Jaiden Putman