BOWDON were caught by a late equaliser by Bath Buccaneers that set the seal on a disappointing afternoon for the local side.

Bowdon's forwards failed to convert, for the second week running, simple chances that might have taken the team to the top of the league.

Unless the Bowdon front runners can find their form then the prospects of automatic promotion look bleak.

The game itself was a fascinating, well umpired encounter in which Bowdon had the majority of the play.

Bowdon's goal came from a mistake in the Bath defence in the 27th minute when Ibi Latif picked up a loose ball and released Wilson who swept the ball home.

Bath super substitute Bobby Crutchley was being used sparingly. His chronic back injury will limit his appearances this season but he sounded a warning note when he dabbed home a cross just on half time only for the goal to be disallowed.

That apart Ashcroft had largely been a spectator for the first half.

The pattern of the second half largely followed the first with Bowdon continuing to penetrate the Bath 25 but without gaining the final shot.

However, Bowdon looked comfortable until calamity struck. In close succession Bowdon lost Cheetham a main provider from midfield and Hornby in defence.

Cheetham had not been on the pace and looked to be carrying an injury from the start of the game. Hornby was involved in a collision with a Bath player and seemed to be suffering from concussion.

The reorganisation took the sting out of the Bowdon midfield with Wilson moving to right back.

Bath came into the game with a vengeance and it was no surprise when ex Great Britain player Wilson scored with an exquisite lob that gave Ashcroft no chance. As the clock ran down Bowdon hurled everything into attack to no avail and were left rueing their missed opportunities in the first half.