Bashley arrived at Winterfield Road for the season’s final fixture with a chance of gaining the last promotion play-off place, while Paulton were looking to improve their league position.

The Bash, inspired by their very vocal goalkeeper, Ross Casey, started with intent and their centre forward Jack Lovell headed wide of the target from an early cross. Rovers responded as Joe Morgan’s header was too high following Martin Lenihan’s fine cross from the right.

Just 6 minutes had been played when Bashley took the lead. A long throw from Dan Thompson evaded the Paulton defenders and was headed into the net by opposing defender Sam Davidson. The Hampshire team, with midfielder Bradley Morris prominent, assumed control at this point and Toby Bailey went close with a free kick from just outside the area.

But Paulton gradually got into the game, and, with Joe Paradise reinstalled in defence alongside the excellent Nick Hewlett, Rovers made good progress as Lenihan, Jack Dancey and Dan Dempsey provided openings for forwards Ed Butcher, Morgan and Leo Eglin. In one attack, Dan Restorick’s long throw was just missed by Eglin following a good header on by Lenihan. Then Hewlett was just unable to convert a cross fired firmly in by Butcher. We all felt his pain.

At the other end, Restorick needed to clear off the line from Bashley’s Lovell who, running on to a through pass from Harry McGrath, had just beaten the onrushing Aaron Sainsbury to the ball. Sainsbury had done well to divert the forward away from goal. The Paulton keeper, alert as ever, saved a snap shot from McGrath and then a long distance effort from Thompson.

Rovers, up against a side desperate to win, ended the first half playing with the confidence and composure that a sound defence, well marshalled by captain Neil Martin, provides.

The second half began with the referee, and the Paulton team, being less than impressed by Bailey’s theatrical dive for a penalty. David O’Hare replaced Lenihan. Ed Butcher’s terrific runs down the left began to cause real problems for the Bashley defence, but the crosses were unconverted and keeper Casey remained largely untroubled. Bashley reasserted themselves and Sainsbury, under severe pressure, managed to punch away another dangerous long throw from Thompson.

Paulton equalised In the 60th minute as Butcher’s free kick was headed in at the far post by Restorick, but at the same time, Martin received an injury that forced him to leave the field. His replacement, though, was the ever reliable and calm Nuno Felix, and the defence remained strong.

Then as Butcher raced through the centre, he was dragged down by Morris, who as the last man, received his marching orders. The game became very open and chances were created at either end.

Mike Ilea, on for Eglin, did some juggling before firing over the bar and Hewlett, again in attack, headed into Casey’s arms when well placed. It was edge of the seat stuff!

With time running out, Butcher, chasing down the ball, managed to deliver the perfect cross which Joe Morgan headed decisively past Casey to give Paulton all three points.

The Bashley team sank to their knees as their chance had gone, but Paulton undoubtedly deserved this victory. The whole Rovers team and staff showed real unity, togetherness and support for each other. Here’s to next season!

Men of the match: the whole Paulton team. Thanks also to everyone associated with the club, without whom we wouldn’t have days like this. Noel Avis