Paulton Rovers 0 Winchester City 4

Paulton Rovers fans, having seen their team score twelve goals in their last two league games, could have been forgiven for expecting more.

But on a cold, unforgiving day, Rovers were brought crashing back to reality as Winchester deservedly took the points.

The Citizens had already announced their intent having had a goal disallowed for offside, when Craig Feeney beat Paulton’s offside trap, rounded Paulton keeper, Aaron Sainsbury and slotted in to give City a 1–0 lead. Oliver Balmer and Simbarashe Mlambo also went close as Winchester began to control the game.

The dangerous Mlambo, having stolen the ball from a Paulton defender, went round Sainsbury, yet somehow managed to miss the open target from six yards.

Rovers rallied though and Ed Butcher had two opportunities, but sent both over the bar from good positions. Leighton Thomas went close as he just failed to reach a cross from Nuno Felix. Good play from Jack Ball and Liban Ibrahim created corners which came to nothing.

Paulton were to rue those missed opportunities as Robert Flooks rose highest to head a corner past the helpless Sainsbury to put City two up in the 39th minute.

Rovers began to show some attacking flair as Butcher swapped flanks and Ibrahim started to get to grips in midfield. As a result, Charlie Philpott in the City goal had to make a double save to deny Will Harvey and Ibrahim. But by and large, as the first half ended, Winchester remained more assured in possession and carried the greater threat.

In the second half, Paulton were more in the game as James Byrne and Neil Martin made inroads, earning free kicks outside the Winchester penalty area. However, the strikes went high and wide.

Sainsbury made a remarkable triple save to deny the hungry City forwards.

However, after 67 minutes, another great run from Mlambo set up Jamie Barron whose shot evaded Sainsbury’s dive to the right to make the score 3–0 to Winchester.

Kai Williamson and David O’Hare were introduced and contributed well, but the City defence remained largely untroubled.

In added time, Mlambo slid in to score Winchester’s fourth after a fine run by Liam Callaghan.

This game was far from one sided and remained a good contest throughout. But Winchester had done their homework and defended admirably, playing a high line and were well coached by keeper, Philpott. They denied Leighton Thomas, Will Harvey and Ed Butcher their usual goal threat. This, coupled with quick athletic strikers, gave them the advantage.

Paulton Man of the Match: Aaron Sainsbury – good saves and fine distribution, despite conceding.

Noel Avis