Bristol Manor Park 1 Paulton Rovers 2

The game started with both sides sending long balls forward, but no clear chances were

created. From a free kick, Farm’s Owen Howe sent a header over the bar, while Paulton’s increasingly influential Nathan Brown had a shot saved by Farm keeper and former Rovers’ favourite, Ben John.

After 15 minutes, and following a corner, Ed Butcher picked up the ball in midfield, ran purposefully forward and struck it firmly past a startled John. It was yet another trademark Butcher strike and Paulton were one up.

Rovers now had the upper hand, with Will Harvey, George Fowler and Brown quicker and more incisive in midfield than their opponents. A Butcher free kick was saved and Leighton Thomas had a firm shot pushed away for a corner. Thomas was unlucky with another effort which struck a post.

Manor Farm had their moments too though and Lloyd Mills first fired over the bar and then saw the excellent Aaron Sainsbury save his effort at point blank range.

Paulton were defending well, with the whole team working hard to break up any forward play by their opponents, who resorted to more and more physical play. Two Farm players’ names were taken as a result.

Rovers continued to create chances with the lively Fowler usually at the heart of them. Half time arrived with Paulton probably disappointed to be leading only 1–0.

Manor Farm began the second period with more attacking intent, with Kyle Tooze replacing Steven Kingdon. Sainsbury dashed out of goal to make a great save at the feet of former Rovers forward, Ben Bament, while Dan Dempsey halted Howe in his tracks.

Paulton soon reasserted themselves though. After 53 minutes, great interplay between Butcher and Thomas ended with Thomas side-footing beyond the Farm keeper to make it 2–0 to the Away team. It was a beautiful goal.

The Paulton midfield trio were controlling affairs in midfield. A speculative long range effort from Fowler landed on the top netting.

After 65 minutes a free kick by Leigh-Gilchrist for Manor Farm needed a brilliant save from Sainsbury, but soon after, a great run by substitute, Leighton Tuodolo, for Paulton, led to a bad foul on the dangerous Ibrahim which led to a booking. From the free kick, Ed Butcher struck the foot of a post.

Manor Farm’s play became more aggressive and after 76 minutes, their full back was sent from the pitch for a poor challenge on Will Harvey.

Paulton continued to create chances, but, despite being a man down, Farm created opportunities of their own and Aaron Sainsbury needed to be on his guard. Rovers though frustrated their opponents’ attempts and continued to attack. One shirt pull on Lee Ibrahim when clean through on goal, should perhaps have warranted a more serious punishment.

Rovers’ Man of the Match: George Fowler – tireless energy and accurate passing.

Tony Walsh