An 88th minute goal from Man of the Match, Liam Monelle, gave Rovers a win they ill deserved.

However, Paulton win a £2,890 prize fund and go into the first Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup, to be played on Saturday, 8th September.

Bradford Town started off brightly, testing Rovers’ keeper, Rob Brown, with Liam Monelle having the visitors’ first chance, striking wide and being set up by Ryan Gay.

The Bobcats then saw Jack Witcombe head over from Luke Curtis’ cross from the left, and Brown safely saved from Witcombe’s low drive.

On 27 minutes, Monelle had a chance well held by Town’s keeper, Adam Forster. Bradford came out more determined in the second half, winning a series of corners – Martin Lenihan’s whistled across Rovers’ goalmouth. As the home side applied pressure, Rhys Talmarsh shot over the bar and he set up Jack Witcombe, who hit the post.

A mix-up between defender, Jamie Laird and Brown nearly let in Telmarsh, who should have scored. Bradford had another great chance on 75 minutes from Ashton Stanley’s corner. Witcombe’s shot was cleared off the line by Rovers’ right back, Camden Harvey.

With two minutes left, Paulton built on the left with eighteen-year-old substitute, Jordan Loveridge, linking with Captain, Dale Evans, cutting in on the byline and finding Brace, who slipped the ball to Man of the Match Monelle to turn home.

Rovers were back in league action on Bank Holiday Monday at Street, then home to Mangotsfield United this Saturday, 1st September.

The Youth team start their Somerset Floodlit League Central Division with a Home game against Keynsham Town on Thursday, 30th August, then Away on Monday, 3rd September, both matches kick off at 7.30 p.m.

Bank Holiday Draw for Rovers

In Bank Holiday Monday’s match, Rovers fought out a tough game against a physical Street side.

Ed Butcher gave the Cobblers a 31 minute cracker, giving Rob Brown no chance. Man of the Match, Joe Hillard levelled on 43 minutes, driving in a misplaced pass from Jamie Short.

Rovers went ahead on 59 minutes as Jordan Lovibond’s cross found Mitch Tippins and Ryan Gay put the ball home. Street equalised on 76 minutes as Steve Murray cut in and Phil Ormrod fired home.

Tony Walsh