Paulton got off to a flying start as Ibs Diallo sent Nathan Legge goal-bound. Didcot keeper, Leigh Bedwell, brought him down and Jordan Ricketts hit home the resultant penalty.
Legge then had a shot blocked and Town responded as Sam Barder headed a corner into Rovers’ keeper, Ed Baldy’s hands. Paulton went 2–0 up on sixteen minutes as Legge picked up a loose ball and thumped it past Bedwell from 25 yards out.
The Railwaymen had a great chance as Ben Whitehead curled the ball, aiming for the far post, only for Baldy to hold well. Didcot then appealed for a penalty as George Reid went down with the referee, waving his claims aside.
Diallo was dominating midfield and he played in Wheatley only for Bedwell to claim possesion.
Didcot looked a different side in the second half, man marking Diallo after Paulton were forced to make two injury substitutions. Whitehead had a shot blocked by Captain, Ryan Shaw and then he turned and drove over Baldy’s bar. Substitute, Ian Parkes, linked with Legge and Wheatley and Bedwell then saved Diallo’s low shot.
Paulton were away to Barnstaple Town on Tuesday evening, as The Journal went to press. This Saturday, they play in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup at Hampshire-based Blackfield and Langley, who are top of the Wessex League Premier currently undefeated after three league games. They beat Western League side, Hallen, 2–0 in the Extra Preliminary Round two weeks ago. The coach leaves the club at 1 p.m. sharp. In the event of a replay, this will be at Winterfield Road on Tuesday, 23rd August, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. The Sunday XI have been promoted into Division One, beginning in September. On Thursday, 18th August, the youth team play a home pre-season friendly with Bristol Manor Farm, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. Keith Brown has taken over as manager with Tim Curtis his assistant. Their season commences on Thursday, 15th September at home to Larkhall Athletic.
Tony Walsh