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Aylesbury's brief return to the Southern League Premier Division was brought to an abrupt end by Bath City, who inflicted a heavy 5-1 defeat on the Ducks.

With results elsewhere going against them, namely Northwood coming from behind to beat Banbury, United are condemned to playing at their lowest level since the 70s.

The match was played at a quick pace, with both sides having an equal amount of possession in the opening exchanges, without any clear cut chances being created.

Bath it was who fashioned the first opening, wing-back Jim Rollo slipping the ball inside to Scott Partridge. With all the time in the world though the experienced striker somehow fired wide of the post.

Moments later a pacey cross was blazed over by the arriving Graeme Power.

United's first chance fell to Leon Gutzmore, when a dangerous free-kick delivery from Nick Jackson fell to him on the edge of the area, but his effort curled wide of the top corner.

The visitors took the lead after 26 minutes, midfielder Scott Rogers hitting an unstoppable effort past the despairing hands of Reece Kirk. 1-0 Bath

Partridge wasted another excellent chance when he volleyed wide a left-wing cross, clearly unaware of the fact he could have taken a touch and rolled the ball home instead.

Aylesbury hauled themselves back into the game with a little over five first half minutes remaining. Another dangerous Jackson free-kick caused Bath problems, and the linesman signaled a penalty for an alleged push in the area by Jim Rollo. Leon Gutzmore converted, although goalkeeper Chris Astley got fingertips to the ball. 1-1

Half-time: Aylesbury 1-1 Bath

The second half started with Bath on top, and after eleven minutes they re-established their lead. A free-kick was delivered deep, and headed back from the byline where Tony Bird was waiting to convert. 2-1 Bath

Two very quickly became three, leaving United with a mountain to climb. The Aylesbury defence were caught napping by a long-throw which released Partridge. Following his delivery Bath were awarded a penalty for handball, which Jon Holloway converted well. 3-1 Bath

The Ducks went for broke by bringing on additional forwards in Hassan and Trebble, and the latter came closest to getting a goal back for Aylesbury when he stabbed a free-kick goalwards, but the ball was cleared off the line.

A combination of Aylesbury pushing more and more bodies forward and Bath's introduction of fresh legs allowed the visiting side to frequently exploit the inevitable gaps being left in United's backline as the game drew to a close, and they added two further goals.

On 76 minutes substitute Andy Sandell went on a superb run that took him all the way into the penalty area, before he calmly stroked the ball home. 4-1 Bath

The in the dying minutes Bath added a fifth, a long punt downfield deceiving Reece Kirk, who in trying to head clear only succeeded in flicking the ball behind him, where Craig Davidge was waiting to run in and tap home. 5-1 Bath

And with that Aylesbury's miserable season was unofficially ended, bar the final game at Merthyr Tydfil next week.