Bath City’s impressive unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end as Uxbridge clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory with a stoppage-time winner from Liam Prior-Tack.
The decisive goal, netted in the 94th minute by substitute Prior-Tack, stunned the home supporters, snatching the top spot in the Southern Premier South for the visitors.
Scott Wilson had given Bath City an early lead, firing them ahead, but Francis Amartey equalised for Uxbridge with 18 minutes remaining, setting up a tense finale.
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Despite Bath City creating numerous chances and maintaining pressure, it was Uxbridge who ultimately capitalised late on. Prior-Tack, who had missed an opportunity earlier in the second half, made no mistake when the chance arose, drilling the ball from close range.
The first half was competitive, with both sides testing each other. Uxbridge’s Ollie McCoy, who previously appeared for Bath City in 2021, had an early effort that was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards. Bath City created threats primarily from set-pieces, with their physical presence posing problems for Uxbridge’s goalkeeper Kacper Orlowski, who was brought in as an emergency replacement due to Dino Kaiser’s recall from Fulham.
James Morton, marking his 100th appearance, delivered a corner that led to Kieran Parselle heading the ball towards Wilson, who struck a powerful finish from eight yards to put City ahead.
Bath City’s unique 3-1-4-2 formation appeared to work well in the first half, providing both defensive solidity and attacking options. Yet, Uxbridge limited their chances mostly to long-range efforts, such as Sam Deadfield’s powerful 35-yard shot narrowly missing the target.
In the second half, despite a brighter start by Bath City, Uxbridge gradually found their rhythm. George Moore missed a chance from close range but soon influenced the game leading up to Amartey’s equaliser. His shot through Parselle’s legs beat Wiles-Richards, marking the 50th league goal Bath City have conceded this year, matching their total conceded last calendar year.
Uxbridge’s Orlowski continued to struggle with crosses and corners, often appearing unsettled. Substitutions came thick and fast after the hour mark, including the debut of Pedro Elawar for Bath City.
Prior-Tack had a clear opportunity to put Uxbridge ahead on 82 minutes but misfired. However, redemption came in injury time when Jake Coomes’ cross was parried by Wiles-Richards, only for McCoy to cut the ball back for Prior-Tack to score from close range.
Uxbridge manager Danny Edwards admitted after the match that he would have settled for a draw but was pleased with the victory. Bath City’s Scott Bartlett expressed frustration over losing the game after a strong start, highlighting their solid first-half performance and the need to maintain intensity and composure throughout.
Bartlett also spoke positively about Elawar, who joined from Exeter City and made his debut in the match. The young midfielder has had a varied career path, including loans to multiple Southern Premier sides and a season at Weston-super-Mare under Bartlett’s management.
Elawar was substituted after 80 minutes in his first appearance for Bath City.
Looking ahead, Bath City face Wincanton, who play three divisions lower in the Jewson Western League Division One. It will be the first meeting between the two clubs.