Paulton’s late equaliser and last gasp chance were not enough as the team desperately needed all three points.

Mario Mateus created a great early chance down the right for Paulton, then Captain Darren Mullings found Tom Knighton to play in Mateus, whose shot was turned by keeper, Allan Walker-Harris, for a corner. ‘The Magpies’’ first effort was a half chance to Bradley Tarbuck and Rovers’ response was a great run down the left by full-back, Nuno Felix, whose shot was blocked. Paulton had a chance on the half hour as Aaron Brown’s corner was headed wide by Joe Chandler.

Dorchester Manager, Mark Jermyn hit a long pass which striker, Nathan Walker, got to first. His shot was blocked by keeper, Ben John, then Walker got on the end of a cross, heading across the goal when he should have done better.

Paulton continued to win the midfield possession battle into the second half, although Walker twice threatened but could not outjump Craig Allan at the heart of the home defence.

Tarbuck’s cross evaded Walker, then it was Tarbuck who broke the deadline on 68 minutes. Seizing a misplaced ball he rode a tackle and drove across John into the far corner of the net. Then twice in as many minutes Tarbuck was through and tried to chip John, who was alert and rose to catch the ball. Felix and Mateus both shot wide, then substitute, Dave O’Hare, saw his shot blocked. Aaron Brown’s corner on the right sailed over Walker-Harris to level under pressure from Allan. In injury time, Felix took a quick throw and found O’Hare, who turned and hit the underside of the bar, to the despair of the Paulton following.

As The Journal went to press, Paulton entertained league leaders Poole Town (see website for report later this week: www.mnrjournal.co.uk). This Saturday, they travel to Leamington, kick-off at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, 12th April, Cambridge City revist Winterfield Road, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. The original match was abandoned two weeks ago just after half-time due to a flooded pitch. The Sunday XI drew 1–1 at leaders, Athletic Cranes, with Adey Boucher netting the Paulton goal. This Sunday they are at Bear Flat, kick-off at 10.30 a.m. On Tuesday they are due to be at home to Nomads, with a 6.15 p.m. start.