Bath City 1, Lewes 1.

Lewes failed to collect their fourth Blue Square south win on the trot as their title charge was checked by play-off chasing Bath City at Twerton Park.

The leaders made a fast start and debutant Charlie Ide fashioned a chance for Andy Drury in the first minute which the midfielder curled over the bar.

Ide, who was sent on loan from Brentford on Friday, then saw a close-range header blocked by Bath keeper Paul Evans but the title favourites did not have to wait long for the opening goal of the contest.

Gary Holloway was fouled by Gethin Jones on the left flank and, after a long stoppage while the midfielder received treatment, Simon Wormull swung in a right-footed centre that Drury met with a diving header which deflected off the shoulder of home captain Jim Rollo and wrong-footed Evans on its way into the net.

The lead lasted only four minutes as Bath scored from their first chance. Lewis Hogg's free- kick was met with a downward header by Chris Holland and Scott Rogers was left all alone at the far post with time and space to chest the ball down before smashing it into the roof of Simon Williams' net.

It was almost 2-1 to Bath five minutes later when Williams spilled Darren Edwards' low volley but Jay Conroy got back to block Dave Gilroy's shot.

Williams chipped Holland's looping header over the bar and Anthony Barness headed behind as Bath got on top but Lewes finished the half the stronger and Ide saw a deflected shot saved by Evans.

The second half was a quieter affair which saw Bath force Lewes back but the visitors dealt with all that was thrown at them without fashioning any chances of note.

The closest they came was when Evans spilled a Tom Davis cross under pressure, while for Bath Gilroy fired over when clean through on goal.

Bath City: Evans, Gethin Jones, Rollo, Coupe, Holland, Harris, Hogg, Rogers, Edwards, Gilroy, Wood. Subs: Stephen Jones, Prince, Partridge, McKay, Simpson.

Lewes: Williams, Conroy, Barness, Davis, Robinson, Simpemba, Drury, Holloway, Ide, Booth, Wormull. Subs: Groves, Sigere, Barr, Wheeler, Hamilton.

Referee: G Muge (Luton)