Paulton Rovers 3 
Bristol Manor Farm 1

The first half of this match was played in a rainstorm, but Rovers adapted well to the conditions and took the game to the visitors. Manor Farm find themselves at the wrong end of the table, having won just four of their eighteen matches this season.

Paulton, playing with confidence, created numerous chances, notably from Ed Butcher’s pace on the left and the skilful Dan McBeam on the right. The game was largely played in the opposition half of the field, and a home goal seemed inevitable.

So it was a complete surprise when, after 10 minutes, Farm’s ex-Paulton keeper Ben John launched a long clearance that evaded the Rovers defence. Jake Gosling, running on to the ball, showed great skill to score a fine goal from 20 yards past a static Aaron Sainsbury to put the Bristol team ahead.

Rovers though remained largely in control of the game. Manor Farm defenders Josh Ford and Harry Lucas needed to be at their best to keep the Paulton forwards at bay. Dan Dempsey and David O’Hare created opportunities, but shots from Butcher, McBeam, Joe Morgan and Nick Hewlett all went wide of the Farm goal and keeper John remained largely untroubled.

One passage of play saw some terrific link up play between Dempsey, McBeam and Morgan but crosses went unconverted and shots were charged down. On the left hand side Butcher’s trickery drew repeated fouls and BMF’s Mason Winter was duly booked.

Play was not entirely one sided though, and Sainsbury had to be alert to deny Owen Howe, Lloyd Mills and the dangerous Gosling.

The second half was more even. The BMF keeper just managed to keep out a fierce McBeam shot while dangerman Gosling latched on to a loose ball and struck Sainsbury’s right hand post from 20 yards. But Dan Restorick on his debut, Neil Martin, Mike Ilea, Nick Hewlett and Chris Peck formed a solid unit and Farm’s chances were few.

Ed Butcher’s persistence was beginning to pay dividends. A cross shot from him was deflected over the bar by a Farm defender before, after 70 minutes, another fine run saw him combine well with Dempsey. He squared the ball for the onrushing Morgan to slam the ball home from 12 yards for a deserved equaliser.

The game then became scrappy with a flurry of substitutions and some unseasonable tackles. Howe, Mills and Theo Llewellyn were all booked for the Farm. But Rovers’ pressure began to count. After 80 minutes Butcher’s well flighted corner was bundled into the net by Morgan for his second goal to give Paulton the lead. Just two minutes later, another Butcher corner was met with a firm Mike Ilea header to score a third and decisive goal.

Paulton man of the match: Joe Morgan – two goals and a confident display.

Special thanks to 89 Clothing for sponsoring the match match. Noel Avis