The Tudors see red in defeat to Bath City

Kyle Connolly was sent off late on for Hemel. Picture (c) Simon Howe

A 57th minute Dave Pratt penalty was enough to earn City the three points at Twerton Park as Jorrell Johnson, Ollie Thorne and Kyle Connolly all saw red for the Tudors.

The visitors dominated the first half as they adapted well to the wet conditions; Dave Pratt striking the crossbar and several goalmouth scrambles coming desperately close to breaking the deadlock.

Hemel had a good chance as Oliver Hawkins headed over when well-placed, and they began the second half well.

However, just before the hour mark Andy Watkins got in behind their defence and he was tripped right on the edge of the box by Johnson.

The referee showed the defender a red card and pointed to the spot, from where Pratt’s low penalty went under Laurie Walker to put Bath 1-0 up.

Hemel responded well and continued to enjoy the greater possession, although Nick McCootie spurned a great chance to make it 2-0 when he raced clear from in his own half only for Walker to block his shot.

With four minutes remaining, Thorne became the second player to see red for an off the ball elbow on Pat Keary, but still Hemel came within inches of equalising.

Then with keeper Walker up for a corner, City broke away and Connolly wrestled Watkins to the ground, to complete the hat-trick of dismissals and finally end Hemel’s valiant resistance.