Paulton have been consigned to relegation, despite a great second half performance.

Leamington grabbed a tenth minute lead after Dan Dubidat was adjudged to have been fouled by Rovers’ keeper, Ben John. Sam Austin, on loan from Burton Albion, put away the resultant penalty.

The home side should have added to the score from Lee Moore’s corner, Captain Jack Edwards heading wide.

Substitute, Rob Ogleby, twice had chances with John beating away the second effort.

Paulton came out a different side after the break. On 49 minutes, Nuno Felix got down the left and his cross was headed over by Jordan Ricketts. Then Mario Mateus cut inside, winning a corner taken by Ricketts from which Craig Allan headed over.

Edwards set up Moore to fire over and Rovers’ response saw great work by Mateus and Felix and Tom Knighton headed straight at keeper, Tony Breedon.

Kelvin Douglas should have levelled for Rovers, robbing Joe Magunda as he hit his shot wide across Breedon.

On 73 minutes Courtney Baker-Richardson brought a class save from a diving John to tip around the post.

With five minutes left, Leamington grabbed a second from Ben George’s corner. Edwards headed on from substitute, Ben Mackey, to head on into the net.

Man of the Match: Ben John (Paulton Rovers).

Paulton’s Youth Team are home next Thursday, 21st April to Radstock Town, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

The Sunday XI won 1–0 at Bear Flat to remain unbeaten as they challenge for the Bath Sunday League Division Three title. They were due to play Nomads on Tuesday and this Sunday are away to GP Sports Reserves, kick-off at 10.30 a.m. On Tuesday, 19th April they are home to Tramways again and on Thursday, 21st April to FC Brewhouse, both kicking off at 7.30 p.m.

The first team entertained Cambridge City at Winterfield Road on Tuesday this week as The Journal went to press (see online report at: www.mnrjournal.co.uk) and next Monday, 18th April make the reverse long journey, leaving at 1.30 p.m. for a 7.45 p.m. kick-off.

This Saturday they welcome another Cambridge side, former National League outfit and fellow Southern league premier strugglers, Histon FC, kick-off at 3 p.m.

Tony Walsh