PAULTON ROVERS 0 WILLAND ROVERS 3

Paulton’s League form evaded them as they lost to an effective Willand side, who had the better of the first half as Dean Stamp twice fired wide and then set up Craig Veal, who drove wide.

Paulton saw Ben Bament set up by Ryan Gay, but his shot flew wide. The visitors went ahead after twenty minutes, as Veal laid the ball to Douglas Camilo, whose low cross was turned home by Howe. Jake Sloggett was spraying balls, spreading the Willand defence, and Dave Sims-Burgess over-hit a chip as he bore down on goal.

Sloggett’s free-kick on 38 minutes was blocked, falling to Joe Hillard, who brought a fine save from keeper, Mike Searle. In the final minute, Veal headed wide from a deep Ben Bickle cross from the left.

Willand had a great chance to add to their tally as Veal rounded home stopper, Joe Perry, only to see his goal attempt cleared off the line by Ben Withey. Searle was kept busy without any real Paulton threat, and on 52 minutes, Stamp latched on to Veal’s header to fire home from twenty yards, beating Perry with a low shot.

Searle was again on-hand to stop Bament, who lacked his usual threat. Paulton had a great chance as Cam Shorney’s free-kick flicked off the inside of the post, and Braeden Symes and Bament saw shots abound around the visitors’ defence. Willand made it 3-0 on 64 minutes, as Ben Bickle crossed from the left and the ball fell to Veal, who volleyed home.

The Youth Team are at home on Thursday, 17th October to Keynsham Town U18s; kick-off 7.30 p.m. The Reserves have a Cup match at Chilcompton Sports

Reserves on Saturday, 19th October; kick-off 2.30 p.m.

The First Team are back to Southern League action away to Slimbridge on Saturday, 19th; kick-off 3 p.m. Supporters are advised that the visit of Basingstoke Town on 2nd November will kick off early at 12.30 p.m.

Paulton have drawn Weston-super-Mare at home in two different Cup competitions a week apart. On Tuesday, 5th November, the sides meet in the Second Round of the Southern League Challenge Cup (kick-off 7.30 p.m.), before playing in the Second Round of the Somerset Premier Cup.

Tony Walsh