PAULTON Rovers opened their season in South Division of the Southern League with a new-look side - but went down to a 2-0 away defeat against Dorchester Town, writes Jon Green.

However, it was the visitors who earned the first chance in the tenth minute when Brandon Bak turned and shot on the edge of the box. The keeper needed to make a save although it didn’t test him too much. Seconds later, Jack Dancey’s dangerous low cross should have been turned in.

Frustratingly, the hosts took the lead three minutes later. Unfortunately Archie Matthews spilled a corner allowing William Spetch an easy tap-in at the far post.

The game slowed somewhat after the goal with Dorchester doing most of the pushing. However, Rovers looked like they could produce scoring chances from counter attacks. Matthews made up for his earlier mistake in the 37th minute when he somehow managed to keep out a shot after a scramble.

The early minutes of the second half followed a similar pattern with the hosts holding much of the possession. But again, Rovers worked their way back into the game and during a 15-minute spell should have been level - and arguably even ahead.

In the 52nd minute, Alfie Kelleher crossed from the right and Brandon poked the ball just wide. This was soon followed by a shot from Will Osborne which the keeper just managed to get his fingertips to.

And, moments later, Jamarni Langlais played a perfect ball through to Brandon Bak to send him one on one with the keeper. Agonisingly, his shot bobbled and struck the post.

It was against the run of play that Dorchester doubled their lead when Ethan Taylor was able to head home at the far post. The goal took the wind out of Rovers and Dorchester played out the game looking the more likely to score another.