The second half began much as the first had finished, with a tight and cagey contest as both sides looked to utilise the width of the pitch. Bath substitute and academy product Seweryn Streczen began to catch the eye, but it would be experience that brought the hosts level. On 49 minutes, Reid battled with Scarff before bringing the ball under control following a looping headed clearance. The striker then lashed an unstoppable finish beyond the helpless Dearing to send Twerton Park into life.

In recent years, Parkway may have crumbled in such circumstances, particularly with the home crowd now fully behind Bath. Not this time. Curtis’ side stuck to the game plan and resisted the temptation to retreat into a low block, with every player maintaining their discipline and continuing to nullify a resurgent Bath side.

Indeed, it was the visitors who created the next opportunity. A free kick midway inside the Bath half saw captain Rio Garside whip a dangerous delivery into the area, with Scarff connecting once again, only for his header to loop over the bar.

Streczen almost put Bath ahead on 81 minutes when the youngster produced an explosive and tricky run, cutting inside before seeing his effort whistle narrowly past the post. From there, the final 10 minutes became a siege. Bath camped inside the visitors half as Parkway faced wave after wave of pressure, but Scarff, despite being involved in the build-up to Bath’s equaliser, showed outstanding desire, attitude and determination to drag his teammates into the defensive battle. It was a performance that epitomised why the centre-back is already so highly regarded in the division.

There had also been some question marks over Dearing’s promotion to this level, but those were emphatically answered at Twerton Park. The Parkway goalkeeper produced important blocks, instinctive saves and commanding work from crosses as the Bath onslaught intensified. A wave of corners followed, with Curtis revealing after the game that he counted seven in a four-minute spell.

Still, the Parkway backline refused to crumble. Curtis used his substitutes wisely, with Ryan Brett and Ed Harrison providing a strong midfield unit in front of a superb back three of Scarff, Toby Down and Williams. Parkway would have the final chance of the game as Will Sullivan chased what appeared to be a lost cause, his pace causing Richards problems as the Bath goalkeeper had to remain alert to palm away an effort from a tight angle.

And that proved to be the final action of a fascinating contest. Both sides ultimately had to settle for a point in what proved to be an excellent advert for non-league football, played out in the perfect setting for a Tuesday night encounter.

Bath will undoubtedly improve as the season progresses and are likely to prove particularly difficult to beat at Twerton Park. For Parkway, however, this was another significant step in the right direction as Curtis’ side continue their development under a new regime.

Next up is another trip on the road, with Parkway travelling to Chippenham Town on Saturday after Chippenham were held to a 1–1 draw by Yate Town on Tuesday evening. With the season only two games old, another big test awaits.