PAULTON Rovers are back in the Southern League after they beat Sidmouth Town 4-2 in the Jewson League’s big play-off final in front of 1000 supporters, writes Jon Green.

The opening moments were cagey as both teams were keen not to get exposed early on. The first chance fell for Sidmouth in the 6th minute as Zack Williams latched onto a cross only to see his shot deflected wide.

Moments later, Rovers had their first chance as Kitan Jaiyeoba broke down the left. His cross was cut out but the ball looped into the air giving Wayne Nderemani the chance to attempt an audacious overhead kick. But Elliot Driver had no problem in taking the shot in.

However, the deadlock was broken in the 14th minute. This season's player of the year, Kitan Jaiyeoba, picked up the ball on the left and cut in before shooting low into the bottom corner.

Stan Wyatt almost added a second in the 21st minute before Jaiyeoba was involved again, threading a ball through for Wyatt but the forward tried to flick the ball back towards the goal and it flew just wide.

Sidmouth created several chances of their own but Paulton's defence worked hard to keep the clean sheet. During one such attack, Jack Mills received a nasty cut to his head after a challenge with Chris Peck. He had to leave the game and go to hospital.

Minutes later, Peck was involved again after another Sidmouth attack. He stole the ball but as he swung to clear the ball, a Sidmouth player nipped in behind him meaning that Peck connected with him rather than the ball. A penalty was given with Danny Pym stepping up to send James Smallcombe the wrong way.

It seemed the half would end level, but the lengthy stop gave time for Rovers to get back in front. In added time, Sid Partridge crossed the ball into the box for Stan Wyatt. He laid it off to Brandon Bak who held of a challenge before spinning and firing home.

Rovers had a justified lead at halftime, but Sidmouth were not out of the game. They opened the second half by pushing forward looking for an equaliser but the Rovers' defence stood firm and Smallcombe was rarely called into action.

Rovers grabbed some breathing space in the 53rd minute. After winning a corner, Max Williams crossed in the ball finding captain, Jack Dancey who nodded the ball into the net. Their was a huge sense of relief around the ground and the celebrations from the younger supporters began.

The pace of the game didn't relent as Sidmouth pushed to get back into the game although Rovers nearly went further ahead in the 76th minute when a shot from Wayne Nderemani was parried by the keeper but only into his own player. The ball bounced back towards the goal but just over the bar. Sidmouth nearly grabbed a second two minutes later, when a shot from close range was well saved by Smallcombe.

The result was effectively sealed in the 88th minute when Tom Bradley knocked the ball in from close range after the keeper spilled a catch from corner. Even a late headed goal from Sidmouth's Louis Spalding couldn't take the gloss off the result. Man of the Match was Dancey (selected by Liz Hardman of Paulton Parish Council).