PAULTON Rovers were held to a goalless away draw by Bideford in Division One South of the Southern League, writes Jon Green. Buoyed by the return of Jack Dancey and the re-signing of Tom Bradley, Rovers made a good start. In the opening minutes there was a penalty shout when Cam Allen was bundled over in the box, followed seconds later by Brandon Bak seemingly opening the scoring only to have the ‘goal‘ ruled out. Two minutes later, Martin Lenihan struck a freekick low but just wide.

Bideford began to come into the game and also thought they’d scored but it was also ruled out. They also went close with a header from a freekick in the 24th minute and bar a chance for Will Osborne at the near post for Rovers, neither team were able to test the keeper. Early in the second half Can Allen had a shot go just wide and moments later he swung in a freekick that missed everyone and nearly caught the keeper out on the line. Bideford had their best chance in the 55th minute when a shot from distance was parried by Archie Matthews but only out to an oncoming forward. He seemed to have the goal at his mercy but somehow the ball stayed out. More chances came for Alfie Kelleher and Can Allen but the Bideford defence also stayed strong. The 80th minute saw Rovers best chance as they broke with a three-on-one. Substitute Krystian Woods brought the ball forward and picked out Dylan Gould but the keeper made a great save. The ball fell to Brandon Bak who worked some space but his shot was stunted by an outstretched leg and the ball fell easily for the keeper.

Bideford were reduced to ten men two minutes later when Ryan Turner seemed to elbow Chris Peck in the face.