PAULTON ROVERS 0 SWINDON SUPERMARINE 0

Both keepers starred in an even first half, with many chances falling to each side. How it ended up goal-less is mind boggling.

Former youth team stopper, Jon Harvey, making his debut, made sharp saves from Connor Thompson, then George Reid, whilst his opposite number, Connor Johns, prevented Will Hailston and Kane Simpson, twice, giving the home side the advantage. Joe Chandler headed over Marine’s cross bar and Kailan Gould shot narrowly wide.

Harvey held a low drive from Joe Selman, then a header by Connor Waldon, whilst Johns blocked the end of a fine Rovers move. On half-time, Paulton Captain, Josh Ford, saw his looping header dip over Johns and the bar.

The second half was more of the same. Harvey saved from Reid then held on from Shepherd’s shot and Reid’s header. Paulton carved out chances from substitutes, Ryan Radford and Reeko Best, whilst Elliott Gibbons set up Jordan Ricketts, as Johns was called upon.

Marine left-back, Jack Alexander, dribbled into the area and had his first shot blocked, then blasted wide. Rovers should have scored as Sol Wheatley crossed and Best and Radford must wonder how they missed the target. In the final minute, Wheatley again drove in from the right and his volley hit the Marine cross bar.

Star Man of the Match: Jon Harvey (Paulton Rovers).

Paulton First team were away to Taunton Town as The Journal went to press on Tuesday this week, travelling to Winchester City this Saturday, with a kick-off at 3 p.m. The coach will leave the club at 10.30 a.m. Any supporters wishing to travel should add their name to the list in the clubhouse.

There will also be free admission to the match due on Tuesday, 20th December, kick-off at 7.30 p.m., when Rovers play Salisbury at Winterfield Road. The original game was abandoned in October and Paulton decided that when rerarranged it would be free, as a considerable number of spectators had made the journey from Wiltshire. A collection instead will be taken at the match for the Dorothy House Hospice at Winsley, which is in Wiltshire but serves the area covered by both clubs.

The Youth team are home to Brislington this Thursday, 8th December, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

Tony Walsh