Winchester scored with the first chance of the game on fifty seconds, as Tyrell Mitford ran on to lob Rovers’ keeper, Rob Brown.
With Paulton dominating, Dale Evans’ corner on the right was headed back by Mitch Tippens for Sam Hedges to fire home the equaliser on 23 minutes.
One minute later, the home side went ahead as Reece Rusher cut in from the right, and the unfortunate Hedges deflected the ball past Brown.
Undeterred, Rovers pressed, and from another Evans corner – this time on the right – Joe Hillard, with a bullet head, levelled for the visitors. Just as half-time approached, Brown made two saves in quick succession from Mitford and then Sim Mlamba.
Liam Monelle brought an early save from City’s stopper, Ryan Price, whilst Mlamba wasted a great chance, heading over. Hedges then cleared off the line from Joe Cooke as ‘The Citizens’ pressed.
Rovers made it 3-2 as Aysa Corrick crossed from the right and found substitute, Jay Malpas, who laid the ball into Monelle’s path to drive home what proved to be the winner.
Late on, Josh Morgan Williams was shown a straight red card, despite being pushed and accidentally connecting with Jamie Barron, to sum up a disappointing afternoon from the officials.
Star Man of Match: Joe Hilliard, Paulton Rovers. Match highlights and photos are available on the Paulton Rovers website: www.paultonrovers.co.uk
This Saturday, 22nd September, it’s back to League action at home to Blackfield and Langley, kick-off 3 p.m. The Hampshire side, based near Fawley Power Station, lie second in the League table.
The youth team are home to Bridgwater Town U18s in the FA Youth Cup on Thursday, 20th September; kick-off 7.30 p.m.
On Thursday, 27th September the U18s play at home to Welton Rovers in the Somerset Floodlit Youth League; kick-off 7.30 p.m.
The game will also be played for the Bert West Cup. The West family presented the cup many years ago after Bert’s death, as he had played for both clubs, and was for many years on the Paulton Rovers committee.
Tony Walsh