Paulton Rovers 0 Frome Town 2

I think Santa must have delivered the new shooting boots to Frome

rather than Paulton!

Two clean and precise finishes were enough to take the points in this hotly contested fixture, watched by a big crowd enhanced by a vociferous away contingent.

The game began with both teams making their mark. Kane Simpson fired over the bar for Frome, while Paulton’s Leighton Thomas had a shot saved by James Carey in the Frome goal. Thomas was then denied a clear opportunity by a late offside flag, while Simpson somehow missed an open goal after a great run and cross by Jonathan Davies.

Gradually, Frome’s more insistent pressing and strong running allowed their midfield and defenders to support their attackers in numbers, putting Paulton’s defence under pressure. But Rovers, ably marshalled by Neil Martin and young Joe Paradise, held the line well. In the 30th minute though, Town’s James Ollis gained control in midfield, passed to Simpson who this time did not miss. Frome were deservedly in front.

Paulton responded well – Jack Ball’s shot flew wide and following a great left wing move, Will Harvey went close. Liban Ibrahim and Leighton Thomas also had chances. But Frome’s dangerous forwards were always a threat and Town finished the half strongly.

In the second half, Rovers had more of the ball and gradually the pattern of the game changed.

Paulton’s Ed Butcher had one opening with the ball which on any other day, he would have arrowed into the far corner of the net. He also sent over a number of corners which caused panic in the Frome defence resulting in hasty clearances.

Frome were pressed back and Jack Ball, Thomas and Harvey all went close for Rovers. Ibrahim’s trickery with the ball took him on several mazy runs, one of which saw his final shot just kept out by Carey at the foot of a post. But Town’s Ryan Harley and Chris Peck in midfield and their defenders ensured that clear opportunities were limited for Rovers.

Paulton continued to attack, but too often a wayward pass or cross spoiled the build-up play and they could not find the elusive goal that their efforts deserved.

Frome’s forward players were always dangerous on the break, and in the final seconds another powerful run by Davies gave James Ollis the chance to beat Aaron Sainsbury with a clinical shot to make it 2–0.

Congratulations to Frome, whose greater unity in their team play overcame a Paulton side who, certainly in the first half, tried too many ‘killer passes’ in a following wind. Rovers were a much

improved team in the second half and it was not clear who was top of the league.

The Rovers faithful trooped home to book the first of their singing lessons.

Paulton Man of the Match: Neil Martin – always a calm presence against strong running forwards.

Well done to the mascots who lined up with the Paulton players at the start and scored some fine penalties at half-time.

Noel Avis

This Saturday 8th, Paulton Rovers’ First Team are home in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South to Barnstaple Town, kick-off 3 pm.

Then, on Tuesday 11th, Paulton travel to Taunton Town in the Quarter Final of the Southern League Challenge Cup, kick-off 7.45 p.m.

The Reserves are Away on Saturday, 8th January to Cam Valley Reserves, kick-off 2 pm.

The Ladies’ Reserves are home on Sunday, 9th January to Banwell whilst the young Development team are at Crewkerne Rangers, both games kick-off at 2 pm.