Penybont 2 Paulton Rovers 1
Paulton’s trip to Bridgend-based Welsh Premier League side, Penybont, ended in a narrow defeat in a highly-competitive game.
Rovers got off to a flying start, as Ryan Gay fed left-winger, Ed Butcher, who drove past the home defender to thump the ball firmly past Rhys Wilson in the Penybont net.
Wilson’s opposite number, Joe Perry, was kept busy saving from Cullen Kinsella and Kane Owens. Butcher again tested Wilson and then his free-kick was headed wide by Joe Hillard.
Penybont pressed, skimming the crossbar and again Rovers were grateful to Perry, saving from number nine. On 38 minutes, a deep cross from the left, from Owens, was well headed home by Kinsella to level.
Paulton started the second half brightly, with Mason Harrison’s cross headed wide by Craig Allan, then Abrahams won the ball to give Butcher a chance to shoot.
A misplaced ball fell to Curtis Hutson and the Bont winger, one-on-one with the onrushing Perry, he inexplicably shot wide. However, after 54 minutes, Hutson made it 2-1, driving a low shot past Perry.
Rovers then dominated, with Jack Davies now in the home goal, well-tested by Butcher and sub, Lewis Bond Kendall.
Paulton pressed for that deserved equaliser, with Hillard, Allan and captain, Charlie Hitchings, all going near. In the final minute, Harrison burst forward, only for his goal-bound shot to be flicked away for a corner.
Paulton play their first home match on Friday, 19th July against Bristol Rovers’ U23s squad and potentially their recent First Team signings.
The following friendly takes place on Tuesday, 23rd July at Longwell Green.
The League fixture announced last Friday will see Paulton Rovers travel to Evesham United on Saturday, 17th August, then the first home game against Cinderford Town on Tuesday, 20th August; kick-off 7.30 p.m.
On the 24th August, Rovers enter the FA Cup away to the winners of the Pre-Preliminary Round between Plymouth Parkway and Buckland Athletic, who play on 10th August.
The newly resurrected Reserve team have their first training session at the club on Wednesday, 24th July at 7 p.m. Players new and and old are very welcome to attend.
The U18s’ first friendly is at home to Glastonbury on Thursday, 8th August; kick-off 7 p.m.
Tony Walsh