Paulton turned the game against Shortwood United around with an improved second half display, hitting three goals to remain undefeated in five games.

Rovers had an early chance as Shortwood’s keeper sliced the ball into the air and Mario Mateus could not outjump the recovering Lloyd Price.

Shortwood were on top and Will Morford outpaced Josh Ford, only to shoot wide. Ryan Radford laid the ball to Ryan Shaw, and Mateus brought a fine save from Price. Nick Hancock brought a save from Andrew Hannah and the Rovers stopper was kept busy saving from the dangerous Morford.

Morford opening the scoring on 29 minutes, hitting a fine half volley, giving Hannah no chance. Shortwood should have added to the score before Matt Benham saw a shot blocked.

The improved effort began as Mateus brought a save from Price, and Paulton levelled on 59 minutes as a long ball led to confusion in the visitors’ defence and Mateus nipped in to score. Two minutes later Mateus had the simple task to tap in as Wheatley pulled the ball back after racing down the right wing.

Wheatley hit a powerful drive, fisted away by Price. Further chances fell to Mateus, Wheatley and Andrew Elcock, and with three minutes left, Rovers got a third goal.

Wheatley latched on to a ball from Joe Chandler and he split the Shortwood defence for substitute, Reeko Best, to race on and firmly crack the ball past Price.

After five wins in a row, Paulton travel to Oxfordshire-based eighth placed North Leigh and then on Easter Monday, they are home to relegated Bridgwater Town – both matches kick off at 3 p.m.

The Sunday side lost 5–1 at home to GT Sports, who moved top of the Bath Sunday Division One. In the Tom Morgan Cup Final, they will face Odd Down, who beat Pig and Fiddle 4–2 after extra time. They have no game over Easter.

The Youth team have an eleven point lead in the Somerset Floodlit League Division One North and were at Larkhall Athletic on Monday. On Maundy Thursday, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. they welcome Bitton – the only side that can mathematically catch them. A win for Rovers means they will be champions. Their last game on Thursday, 20th April is home to Keynsham Town.

On Good Friday, Paulton Rovers’ Winterfield Road stadium hosts the annual Paulton Hospital Cup Final, kick-off at 11 a.m.

Played between sides that compete in the Mid-Somerset League, each year this event raises thousands of pounds for Paulton Community Hospital – an NHS asset very valued in the whole of North East Somerset and the Mendips.

This year’s final is between Peasedown Albion (champions of Division Two) and Coleford Athletic (champions once again of the Premier Division), seeking to retain the Cup for the third year running.

Tony Walsh