By Robbie Armstrong
AFTER three consecutive wins USW were unable to continue their successful streak against a resolute Bath side.
Despite having a slightly depleted team with the likes of Joe Evans and David Thomas missing after playing for Cambrian in the Nathaniel MG cup the previous night, USW started very brightly.
A quick free-kick on the edge of their own box set Clayton Green away down the left flank, with his curling shot going just the wrong side of the post in the first minute.
The early pressure continued when captain Kane Owen’s ball seemed to set Liam Edwards through on goal, but Bath’s Jay Richmond made a remarkable last ditch challenge to save his team, with appeals for a USW penalty waved away by the referee.
While USW dominated the early exchanges, they failed to create clear-cut chances – Louis Gerrard going closest to scoring with a long-range effort after Green’s early opportunity.
Then, against the run of play, the visitors took the lead when Matt Benham tapped in from a rebound inside the six-yard box.
However, the home side were not trailing for long. Owen’s cross found Mikey George in the box and his powerful header was too strong for Bath goalkeeper Busby.
Half-time score 1-1
Bath started the second half faster, with Johnny Gorman’s left-footed effort from 30 yards out comfortably saved by Ashley Morris.
By contrast, USW appeared more sluggish than usual but they did come close when Lewis Baldwin headed just wide.
As the rain intensified Bath seemed to get stronger, launching some promising attacks down the left-hand side, but they came to nothing.
USW played more on the counter-attack in the latter stages, but they too got no joy in their search for a winner.
It ended honours even, and while Bath were good value for the point, USW will know that it was two points dropped on home turf.
Star player: Lewis Baldwin
