Joint manager James Gray praised St Albans City’s resilience as his defensively sound 10 men secured only their second home win since mid-September.

Charlie Gormen was sent off with 30 minutes remaining after a high tackle that Gray described as a reckless challenge.

After ‘going out with a whimper’ to Wealdstone in the FA Trophy on Tuesday, Gray could not have asked for a better response.

“I couldn’t be more proud today. We defended manfully and were absolutely outstanding. When we do that we give ourselves a chance against any opposition,” said Gray.

Despite not having their full complement of players, the Saints exuded an assured side with potential play-off aspirations and claimed revenge from their defeat in the reverse fixture.

“I never felt under the cosh from them. We didn’t allow them to play their game, we got into their faces. We had a game plan and we stuck to it,” he said.

“When teams go down to 10 men it’s like a siege mentality and you defend for your lives. Bath were a good side, they moved it about well but we let them keep the ball in areas where they wouldn’t hurt us.”

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Stevenage Striker Cameron Lancaster made his debut today and the 22-year-old’s 25 minute cameo impressed his manager.

“He has great pedigree playing in the Premier League, playing for Stevenage and hopefully he can add some real presence,” said Gray

“We saw glimpses of what he is capable of and maybe he could be that player we have been looking for. He could be the real deal.”

St Albans will travel to Kings Langley on Tuesday in the Herts Senior Cup before an extended break ahead of a trip to Bromley on the league on Saturday 20.