Staines Town lost ground in the race for the Blue Square South play-offs with a 2-0 defeat at Bath City on Saturday.

The long journey to the West Country saw chairman Alan Boon presented with a cake and candles for his birthday, but there wasn’t too much to celebrate after that.

Staines endured a torrid opening 10 minutes, with keeper Louis Wells twice forced into brave saves, while Yado Mambo also made a vital saving tackle.

At the other end, Leroy Griffiths pumped a ball into the box and Howard Newton’s shot was cleared off the line, while Ali Chaaban’s dancing run and snappy shot forced Ryan Robinson into a diving save.

And the visitors created a good opening at the start of the second half. Chaaban’s pass struck Chris Holland in the midriff and fell nicely to Elliott Godfrey, but his crip volley was palmed over by Robinson.

At the other end, Simon Jackson headed clear from Holland’s header.

Staines went close again when Gareth Risbridger’s snap shot was smothered by Robinson after Mambo had headed on Jackson’s free kick.

But, three minutes later, Bath took the lead. Kaid Mohamed fed defender Holland who controlled well before rifling into the corner of the net.

Gareth Risbridger almost volleyed an equaliser, but his shot from Griffiths’ corner bounced just wide.

But, two minutes into stoppage time, Bath wrapped things up when Risbridger, down injured, played the hosts onside and Darren Edwards looped the ball over the advancing Wells’ head.

Then, Staines captain Andre Scarlett pulled down the advancing Mackie and was dismissed for a second booking.

Staines: Wells, Jackson (Marquis 77), Sterling, Ifura, Mambo, Scarlett captain [SO 90+4m], Newton (Charles-Smith 82), Risbridger, Chaaban, Godfrey (Taylor 85), Griffiths; unused King, Kamara.

Bath: Robinson, Jombati, Rollo ©, Jones, Holland, Connolly, Simpson, Harris, Edwards (Browning 90+3), Mohamed (Mackie 86), Hogg; unused Coupe, Douglas, Evans.

Ref: M Whaley (Eggbuckland, Plymouth); ARs C Mann (Exeter), AJ Quin (Thornbury, Plymouth); Att 762.

Staines host Thurrock in Blue Square South next Saturday.