Keynsham entered this game on the back of five consecutive victories, in which they scored 24 goals and conceded just four. Although Rovers' performances have significantly improved since the turn of the year, they have only managed to achieve one win and four draws out of the last six games. The reverse fixture ended with one of Paulton's biggest defeats of the season, a 5–0 Keynsham victory.
In a close encounter, a well-organised Paulton side playing their penultimate match this season, fought hard for every single ball and with patience and persistence, managed to create enough attacking opportunities to give the visitors a tough evening at the Athletic Ground. In a high tempo first half, Keynsham, playing an attacking 3–5–2 formation, edged on top in possession.
But with Paulton's Man of the Match, Rory Morgan, exceptional at the back against a very challenging Keynsham strike force and the trio of Jack Crook, George Atwell and Brad Thatcher working tirelessly in the centre of the park, Rovers were able to prevent a strong Keynsham midfield building up any meaningful attacks.
The away team were able to match Rovers' work rate and pressure off the ball, which restricted chances for either side. Rovers' main attacking threat came from right winger, Jordan Phillips. Neither keeper had any meaningful saves to make in the first half, leaving the game goalless going into half-time.
Keynsham started the second half the stronger of the two sides and were rewarded with the opening goal of the game within two minutes of the restart. The hosts were caught sleeping in the middle of the park, leading to a throughball being played forward. The Paulton centre backs each had an opportunity to clear the ball, however, the Keynsham striker took advantage and drilled the ball across keeper, Riddle, into the bottom left corner.
It took that goal for Paulton to get going again and after conceding, the hosts reacted positively in search of the equaliser. Rovers were patient, kept to their game plan and it took a moment of class to create the equalising goal.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, an exquisite ball forward from Rory Morgan over the top of the Keynsham defence was picked up by in-form striker, George Primrose, who cut across the back of the visitors' defence and spectacularly fired the ball over the keeper into the back of the net.
Four minutes later, the away team regained the lead. A corner from the left was whipped into the six-yard box and a Keynsham player escaped his marker and found himself totally unchallenged to fire the ball into the back of the net.
Both teams continued to try to find the killer pass, but neither side was able to find the quality to score the fourth goal of the game. However, moments before the final whistle, Paulton were presented with a terrific opportunity to get an equaliser. An attacking move, which was brilliantly worked through the midfield, found the feet of Rory Morgan on the edge of the box. A moment of quality saw Rory drive into the middle of the crowded penalty area, past two defenders and with only the keeper to beat, the shot found the wrong side of the right post.