St Albans City’s National League status looking more precarious after Bath loss

Relegation-threatened St Albans City limped to a 1-0 defeat away to Bath City – stretching their winless run to 11.

Saints had hoped to turn their poor run around against a Bath side that had lost nine and won just once in their previous 12 games.

However, Andy Watkins’ goal midway through the first-half leaves St Albans rooted to the foot of the Vanarama National League South, seven points from safety and having played a number a couple of games more than the sides above them.

And it could have been worse with Bath squandering two chances from the penalty spot.

City handed a debut to Peterborough United loanee Harry Anderson, while his Posh team-mate, Jonathan Edwards, began his second loan spell with the Clarence Park outfit on the bench.

Winger Anderson started brightly while Edwards, who arrived for the injured Michael Thalassitis in the 40th minute, saw a shot flash across the face of the goal.

Lee Chappell had Saints best chance, prodding a ball from Emmanuel Udoji, that had eluded everyone, goalwards but his effort hit the body of Bath keeper Steve Phillips before spinning back into his arms.

However, Saints turned round behind thanks to Watkins, who ghosted between Ben Martin and Ed Oshodi before firing past Joe Welch.

Martin’s foul on Harry Artus gave Bath a chance to make it two shortly after but Elliott Richards blazed his penalty high over the bar.

Charlie MacDonald had the ball in the net for Saints early in the second-half but it was correctly ruled out for a shirt-pull earlier in the move.

And that was as good as it got for Saints who escaped without conceding further when first Liam Kelly hit the bar and then Nick McCootie’s spot-kick was well saved by Welch.

City are next in action on Saturday when Whitehawk visit Clarence park for a 3pm kick-off.