The Bath backline seemed anything but watertight as Dundas & Yaku were constantly finding leakages, especially during the opening period.  The Beavers, welcomed back Matt Lovett between the sticks for his first start of the season following suspension.  Also, making his debut in midfield was Pat Damali, replacing Stuart Lake, who was on compassionate leave.  The Beavers lined up in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation, with Tanner & Matthews providing the width in midfield.

The opening exchanges were lively, as both teams carved openings in the first 5 minutes.  Tanner found himself in the opposition’s area, where he set up a chance for Dundas.  Matthews sent over a dangerous cross from the right, which Perrin, in the home goal, just managed to palm to safety, while at the other end Edwards headed just over.

On 16 minutes, Fernandes was judged to have committed a foul in the area. Edwards stepped up to take the kick, which thumped against the bar and ballooned to safety.  3 minutes later, a slip by Bath’s Browning let in Yaku, who cut the ball across goal and was then turned into his own net by Holland. Midway through the half Yaku, who was proving to be a real pest to the Bath backline, had 2 good efforts that narrowly missed the target.  On 37 minutes, Lovett was called into serious action for the first time when he made a fine finger tip save, following a well flighted free kick from Bath’s right.

Action then switched to the other end, when Yaku turned the home defence, but despite a desperate attempt to pull him down, the Beavers frontman got his shot away.  Referee Newell had allowed play to go on, but when no advantage was taken he pointed to the spot.  Barry Matthews calmly slotted the ball home.

The 2nd half was only 4 minutes old when Yaku raced onto a through ball and stroked the ball passed the advancing Perrin.  Scarborough, back after injury, was cautioned for a mistimed tackle. Shortly after Bath pulled a goal back through their sub, Kaid Mohamed , who was to have several more efforts, as the home side pressurised Hampton’s goal. 

Hodges replaced Yaku and Charles replaced Matthews.  This resulted in the versatile Dundas dropping back into midfield.  Hampton’s defence held firm for the most part and when it was breeched, Lovett was on hand with several good claims.  With 10 minutes to go Dev made his final substitution, with Braithwaite replacing Damali.  The game was drifting towards it’s close, when Browning and Hodges squared up to each other in the middle of the pitch.  Browning’s appeared to butt Hodges, whilst he stood his ground.  Hodgy dropped to the floor and Browning thought he ought to follow suit. 

When both players had got to their feet, they were both shown red.  To say that Ian was upset by the decision would be an understatement.  This incident was out of character with the rest of the game as there was hardly a bad foul in the whole 90 minutes.

This result has taken Hampton & Richmond up to 9th in the table and despite all the injuries the squad has had to endure so far it, does appear we are on the march again.