Newport County may be the club closest to his heart but it is clear that Bath City have really got under John Relish's skin.

The three years he spent at the Twerton Park helm may be dwarfed by his 17-year stint as a Newport player and manager but that would not have been apparent to anyone watching Relish, pictured, co-commentate on Tuesday's Severnside derby.

City's habit of getting into promising positions and failing to make anything of them was a visible source of growing frustration to the man whose arrival in 2005 started the rise from Southern League to Blue Square Bet Premier.

And when City sent their umpteenth set- piece towards the near post in the closing minutes, only to see Newport's taller players head it away with ease, Relish almost threw his microphone to the table in disbelief.

His irritation would have been heightened by the knowledge that this latest defeat brings relegation a step closer for Adie Britton, Relish's number two for many years and still a close friend.

"I feel for Adie because he is a very proud man and has done a fantastic job for Bath City," said Relish. "I just hope people recognise that and give him the time he needs to get it right.

"He's got a massive job between now and the end of the season but I don't think it's all doom and gloom. While there are points to be played for, there is still a chance that he could pull it out of the fire.

"If City do go down, I hope Adie doesn't leave the club as he has been a rock for Bath City. I know him well enough to know he will rebuild and get them back.

"Should the worst happen, I just hope everyone sticks together because the current side, with a couple of additions, is plenty good enough to bounce straight back."

There were signs of how close City are to being a good side again at Spytty Park as they played some decent football on a heavy pitch.

However, for all their possession, chances were few and far between with Newport keeper Glyn Thompson called into action on just three occasions.

His saves from Paul Stonehouse's skidding shot and substitute Lewis Hogg's near-post free-kick were routine, though, and his only moment of real peril came midway through the first half.

Lee Phillips met Marc Canham's cross from the right with a powerful shot which Thompson could only parry. However, Chris Shephard screwed the loose ball wide of the far post from six yards.

Phillips and Marley Watkins both had shots deflected wide after that and Stonehouse volleyed over in the fourth minute of injury-time but that was it as far as opportunities went.

Newport also posed little threat in a dreadful derby but took the points thanks to an 12th-minute gift from the ever-generous visitors.

Joe Burnell gave the ball away in midfield, then Sekani Simpson failed to deal with a looping cross from the right before Sam Foley's nod-down was swept in by Lee Minshull.

"You can't argue with the result," said Relish. "City had a few chances in and around the goal but never looked like they were going to convert them.

"To be fair, they never gave up. They were fighting and trying to play football until the final minute, and you have to give them credit for that, but they didn't look particularly convincing in front of goal."