Bath City’s 2025/26 season ended in heartbreaking fashion, conceding a late goal that robbed them of a crucial point—a fitting symbol of a campaign filled with missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Conceding ten goals after the 90th minute throughout the season cost Bath City nine vital points, underscoring their vulnerability in added time. While relegation was all but sealed before injury time in many games, these late lapses revealed deeper issues.
Unlike daunting venues such as the Etihad, Bath City’s home ground, the Cannon Clarke Stadium at Twerton Park, failed to offer any fortress advantage. With only Eastbourne recording a worse home record, City’s tally of 25 points from 23 home games was underwhelming, compounded by an inability to find the net in ten of those matches—a joint club record for goalless draws.
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Last season saw defensive solidity under Darren Way, which kept the team afloat despite modest scoring figures. This term, however, saw the defensive frailties return with 54 goals conceded in 2025 alone, escalating to 52 more in just 25 matches in 2026. Before Scott Bartlett’s late arrival, creativity and chance creation were severely lacking.
The injury to Will Jenkins Davies in November proved a turning point. His absence coincided with a 14-game winless streak—the club’s worst ever run in National League South—and a descent into relegation trouble. Jenkins Davies’ impact was clear, with the team’s only league victory in that period coming when he started and scored twice.
Following a disheartening 1-0 home loss to Farnborough, many expected Darren Way’s departure. Despite his dedication and approachability, the timing was right for change. Way remained briefly before the arrival of Bartlett, who faced the challenge of reviving a demoralized squad with limited time for reinforcements.
Bartlett’s impact was noticeable—ten points from eight matches and only one game without scoring showed progress. Forward Scott Wilson emerged as a bright spot, revitalized by a loan spell and his newfound partnership with cousin Donovan Wilson, delivering crucial goals in the season’s closing stages.
Looking ahead, Bartlett inherits a roster featuring committed players like Joe Raynes and injured but promising Harvey Wiles-Richards. The need for defensive steel remains critical after conceding 46 league goals since January. Bartlett has signaled intentions to recruit local, cost-effective talent and possibly a combative midfielder to strengthen the squad.
With experience in winning the Southern Premier South, Bartlett knows the path to promotion is possible. Loyal fans, patient through a tough campaign, can anticipate a more dynamic, chance-creating side next season.
While stepping down to this level after 19 years is a tough pill for supporters, history shows Bath City can quickly adapt and return to prominence. The summer break provides a welcome respite before a fresh, determined chapter begins.