MAIDENHEAD UNITED 0

United Manager Johnson Hippolyte opted to give big centre forward Stephen Hughes a rare start, a move which initially looked inspired as the striker proved to be a handful for the home defence.  Despite being league leaders and having home advantage Bath opted to play on the counter attack, a move which allowed the Magpies plenty of time to attack.  With 24 minutes on the clock Hughes broke through only to fall to a challenge from Bath keeper Paul Evans and a defender in the penalty area.  The referee waved play on and Maidenhead quickly pressed for a goal once more, a Mark Nisbet long shot being spilled by Evans.  Errol Telemaque attempted to force home the loose ball only to find himself in the hands of Evans, once again the referee seeing no foul and opting to book both players. 

As the half drew on Bath's attacks became more frequent, Chico Ramos saving well from Martin Paul in the 19th minute, and several set pieces causing concern in the Maidenhead penalty area.  These warnings weren't heeded, Ramos again coming to the rescue in the 41st minute to push behind a Mike Green shot, and from the resulting corner firstly Steve Jones rose highest at the far post to head the ball back into the danger area where Darren Edwards was on hand to head the ball in.

In the second half Bath soon forced home their superiority.  A fine run down the right wing by Lewis Hogg saw him finish by supplying a neat pass to cut the ball back from the by line to Martin Paul who fired home from close range with 58 minutes gone. 

With the game in danger of slipping away Hippolyte made a tactical substitution which left just a three man defence.  This helped to increase the pressure on the Bath goal but there was little in terms of end product.  United were then given a lifeline in the 77th minute when the linesman spotted a handball in the penalty area.  The referee pointed to the spot and Bobby Behzadi powered in the penalty.  This gave renewed hope that a point could be saved, and with Nisbet clearing an Edwards shot off the line with nine minutes remaining, an equaliser looked possible.  Once again though Bath were able to comfortably deal with the pressure, a Grant Cooper free kick at the death presenting the best opportunity for a goal but coming to nothing.

Romans: Evans, Simpson, Rollo, Coupe, Holland, Harris, Hogg, Jones S, Edwards (88 Clarke), Paul (65 Prosser S), Green (85 Jones G).  Unused subs: Davidge, Prosser M.

Goals: Edwards 42, Paul 58.  Caution: Evans 26.  Man of the Match: Lewis Hogg.  Gate: 923.

Magpies: Ramos, Nisbet, Parsons (60 Clarke), Cooper, Sterling, Bezhadi, Telemaque, Brown Da, Hughes (75 Romeo), Roach (70 Newman), Smith.  Unused subs: Fenton, Preddie. 

Goal: Behzadi 77 pen. Cautions: Telemaque 26, Brown 67.