Paulton came away with a deserved win on a very heavy pitch last Saturday.
Jake Lee’s shot was parried by Rovers keeper, George Burton and in the ensuing scramble, the ball was cleared off the line. A determined run from Elliott Gibbons saw Reeko Best nearly give the visitors the lead.
In a reversal of fortune, Shortwood should then have taken the lead in the 46th minute, as Andy Lewis fired a firm drive which Burton turned for a corner and the keeper did the same, with a shot from Steve Davies minutes later.
On 73 minutes, Rovers went ahead with Gibbons’ quick free kick to Sol Wheatley, who sped down the right wing and his low cross was turned home by Best.
It was 2–0 three minutes later, as Ryan Shaw’s clearance was fastened on to by Kailan Gould, who superbly turned it past Rhys Lovett in the home goal.
Shortwood were penalised for a back pass, picked up by Lovett. Jordan Ricketts touched the ball to skipper, Josh Ford, to drive home for 3–0.
With time running out, Ross Langworthy grabbed a consolation goal after a twice deflected shot past Burton.
Man of the Match: Josh Ford (PRFC).
Paulton’s First team were away at Wimborne Town on Tuesday, 16th January as The Journal went to press – see report from Wednesday at: www.mnrjournal.co.uk
There are then two home games, first to AFC Totton on Saturday, 21st January, kick-off at 3 p.m., then entertaining Barnstaple Town on Tuesday, 24th January, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.
The Youth team are home to Bishop Sutton on Thursday, 19th January and again next Thursday, 26th January, both kicking off at 7.30 p.m. The Sunday XI play their first game for ten weeks when they travel this weekend to play Bath Spa University at Newton Park, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.
Tony Walsh