Rovers lost 3–1 at high-flying Bristol Manor Farm, despite going in 1–1 at half-time, defending in a stiff wind in an even first half.

After Josh Morgan-Williams’ run down the right wing set up James Byrne – who saw his shot blocked by Jamie Turner – it was the home side who responded to take a fourth-minute lead, as Troy Simpson cut in from the right to shoot across Rovers’ stopper, Andy Hannah into the far left-hand corner of the net.

Both sides pressed, but after 26 minutes, Paulton lost Joe Guest through injury, replacing him with the recently re-signed Omar Simpson, whose first act was to set up Morgan-Williams, but his shot was blocked by Turner and spun out for a right wing corner. Taken by Dale Evans, Captain Josh Ford was nudged by Turner and the referee pointed to the penalty kick. Byrne levelled from the spot on 34 minutes.

Good defending by Farm’s Lloyd Mills kept Rovers at bay, before Ford headed over from an Evans free kick. As the break drew nearer, Kyle Holly brought a save from Hannah. Had Paulton hoped to gain advantage of the wind behind them, it was a second half that saw the Bristol side take the initiative.

On 54 minutes, hesitancy in the defence saw Hannah haul back Matt Groves and Holly turned home the penalty. Four minutes later, it was 3–1, as Jordan Metters threaded a pass through to Troy Simpson, unmarked on the left to fire past Hannah.

Omar Simpson twice got around the back of the Farm rearguard to no avail, and on 77 minutes, Hannah raced out to prevent striker, Dean Stamp, and handled the ball just outside the area. Although it did not look like a deliberate action, the referee showed a straight red card. Substitute Josh Cann went in goal and did a commendable job.

One note of optimism was another brief cameo appearance of the youth team and development side; sixteen-year-old Lewis Bond-Kendall, who came on for Byrne.

Man of the Match: Troy Simpson, Bristol Manor Farm.

Football on Boxing Day had to be cancelled. The game against runaway league leaders, Taunton Town, has been rearranged for Tuesday, 6th February, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

This Saturday, the First team are home to Winchester City, kick-off at 3 p.m., then away next Tuesday at AFC Totton, kick-off at 7.45 p.m.

Next Thursday, 11th January, the Youth team play at home in the second round of the Somerset Floodlit Youth Cup against Clevedon Town, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

Tony Walsh