EVESHAM UNITED 1 PAULTON ROVERS 1
Rovers lively start saw Dave Sims and Ed Butcher testing the home keeper, Reece Francis, whilst the lively Lee Chilton saw his low-shot held by Paulton stopper, Joe Perry.
The visitors took the lead on fourteen minutes as former Youth Team player, Jake Sloggett, picked up a loose ball and his low-shot deceived Francis to hit the back of the net.
Braeden Symes was linking well with Brad Abrahams, with Butcher and Sims both testing Francis. On forty minutes, Rovers had a shout for a penalty as Butcher was clattered by Francis, who appeared to have made no contact with the ball.
On the stroke of half-time, Evesham levelled in controversial circumstances as a long-ball from the back was caught in the swirling wind, and as Perry rushed out, he was baulked by striker, Dave Reynolds, who turned the ball in to the net. Despite protests, the referee allowed the goal.
Early in the second period, Chilton and Jordon Sangha had chances, and centre-back, Brad Maslen-Jones, drove a dipping shot narrowly over the crossbar.
Perry was swiftly out to snuff out danger from Matt Dodds, with Rovers’ young defender, Mason Harrison, and Ali Sen looking comfortable, well-marshalled by Craig Allan and Paulton skipper, Charlie Hitchings.
With action at both ends and the influence of the wind, the final chance fell to Rovers’ sub, Jack Moore; hitting a shot wide.
This Saturday, 24th August, Paulton Rovers head to Plymouth Parkway in the Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The prize money is £2,850 for the winners, with a consolation of £960 to the losers. With Bank Holiday weekend travel, the coach will leave the club at 10 a.m. Supporters wishing to travel should add their name to the list in the club house (after Tuesday night). If the FA Cup match ends in a draw, the replay will be at Winterfield Road on Tuesday, 3rd September.
Rovers were home on 20th August to Cinderford Town in the first home League game of the season. On Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August, Paulton are due to travel to Melksham Town; kick-off 3 p.m.
In the draw for the Southern League Challenge Cup, Rovers have been given a bye in the Preliminary Round, with the First Round draw due in late September.
The Under-18s play Cheddar on Thursday, 22nd August away; kick-off 7.30 p.m. They then start the Somerset Floodlit League season at home to Bradford Town U18s at home on Thursday, 29th August; kick-off 7.30 p.m.
The Reserves have lined up the following friendlies ahead of the start of the Mid-Somerset League season – Wednesday, 21st August away to Peasedown; kick-off 6.30 p.m., Saturday, 24th August away to Meadow Rangers; kick-off 2.30 p.m., Saturday, 31st August away to Farrington; kick-off 2.30 p.m.
Tony Walsh