AN INJURY-HIT Billericay Town produced a battling performance to claim their first victory in four games to go within three points of a play-off spot.
Despite days of heavy rain, snow and frost, the New Lodge ground staff produced a fantastic playing surface given all that mother nature had thrown at it over the last few weeks.
It also ensured that the Blues more illustrious opponents didn't have a long and wasteful journey coach.
Injuries forced manager Craig Edwards to shuffle his pack. The central midfield duo of Poole and Edwards were both forced out of the starting XI through injury.
Centre-half Alton Thelwell was also sidelined. In came Brazilian Alex Cerdeira into centre midfield where he made his first start in a Blues shirt. Dave Collis returned to the starting XI partnering Cerdeira in the middle, a role which he had not started since last season. Rob Swaine reclaimed his place at the heart of the defence.
It was a subdued opening from both sides, with Bath trying to come to terms with the pitch.
The Blues were generally more dominant with Chris Wild going close with a header from a corner whilst Taylor's half chance went wide.
The Blues took a deserved lead just before half-time when Dave Collis elegantly tackled his man before curling in a precision hit cross that Jay May powerfully headed home.
At the other end McDonald made a fine save from Nichols in the visitors only attempt at goal in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half started with the Blues in control again. Jay May forced Bath keeper Mellor into a save from a rasping volley whilst Junior Luke also tested Mellor at his near post.
The visitors best spell came in the last 15 minutes. Firstly Swaine denied Morgan a run on goal with a finely timed tackle whilst McDonald denied Allen with a double save. The telling moment came three minutes from time when Mellor rushed to the edge of the area to punch a free-kick clear only to be beaten by Swaine whose looping header nestled firmly in the back of the net.
It was an important win for The Blues and they now prepare to travel to Eastleigh knowing a win could take them into the top six.
