Bath City 3, Aveley 0

A 318 mile round trip ended in stark disappointment for Millers on Saturday (21 December) with this National League South relegation clash effectively decided by half time as the host Romans capitalised on mistakes by the visitors.

This was a classic relegation 'six-pointer- for both sides embroiled in the relegation scrap and at the end of it Bath moved seven points clear of the drop zone, while pressure continues to build on Danny Scopes' side – though they have a chance to lay down a marker for the second half of the season when they play host to neighbours Hornchurch in a Boxing Day derby, Thursday, 26 December – 1pm kick-off).

Bath got off to the perfect start, going ahead just three minutes in after Adam Leathers conceded a free-kick, taking down Jordan Alves, who picked himself up to take the free kick and his low was diverted home by Kieran Parselle from close range.

Just before the half-hour mark City doubled their lead. Luke Russe won possession in the middle of the park allowing Alves to collect the ball before driving another low shot from 25-yards out that, this time, found the net past Millers' recent recruit, keeper James Holden.

A poor first half from the Millers was compounded two minutes before the break when a mistake by allowed Scott Wilson to race clear and he confidently slotted the ball past Holden.

Millers battled gamely after the break but never looked likely to get back in contention, and City spurned a couple of good chances that would have heightened the difference between to two side, who ended a scrappy 45 minutes with massively differing emotions.

Millers will have to pick their heads up quickly for Thursday's derby, for which tickets can be bought in advance.