BARNSTAPLE TOWN 1 PAULTON ROVERS 0

Paulton came away from North Devon disappointed not to have gained at least a point. They produced free flowing football only lacking in the decisive last third.

Manager, Tony Ricketts, gave debut in goal to Andrew Hannah with skipper, Ryan Shaw, unavailable and Conor O’Sullivan injured with Ian Parkes and Elliot Gibbbons coming into the starting line-up.

After early Barnstaple pressure, Rovers broke quickly as Will Hailston set up Jordan to hit a powerful drive parried away by home keeper, Steve Oliver, who was again in action to stop Hailston.

On 36 minutes, Barnstaple took the lead as Dave Pearse controlled the ball and sent Ryan Turner through to beat the offf-side trap and score.

Minutes afterward, Hannah was injured saving bravely at the feet of Turner.

The second half saw flowing Rovers build-up with Barum substitute, Jamie Blake, twice driving over the crossbar whilst Ibs Diallo likewise did the same for the visitors.

Hailston was on target testing Oliver, who again watched Diallo shoot over. Blake had a chance but blasted wide.

With minutes remaining, Rovers had their best chance with substitute, Reeko Best, splitting the defence for Hailston to cross just out of reach of fellow substitute, Kailan Gould.

Paulton Man of the Match: Will Hailston