PAULTON ROVERS 3 HIGHWORTH TOWN 1

Thanks to the fantastic effort by Paulton’s ground staff, the crowd of 200 witnessed a really good game on a heavy pitch, with early Highworth pressure and good defending by Paulton left back, Dan Dempsey, making his debut.

Rovers went ahead after twelve minutes, as Ben Withey sprayed a long ball out on the left to Ed Butcher, who got around his marker and his low cross was slammed home by Marcus Day.

Within two minutes the visitors levelled as Billy Aldrich’s free kick was met by Jacob Davidge to turn home.

Paulton made it 2-1 on 32 minutes as Day played another deep ball for Butcher to cross low and the ball was turned home by Ben Bament.

The home side were grateful to keeper Joe Perry, saving with his feet from a Eddie Mbunga shot.

The second half saw two Joe Hillard tackles prevent Highworth, then Day set up Butcher, whose deflected shot sailed narrowly wide.

The visitors responded as left back, Billy Aldrich, drove a volley deflected over the bar. Hillard’s pass to Day lined up Ryan Gay, whose shot was blocked.

Paulton made it 3-1 after 73 minutes, as Braeden Symes sent Day on a right wing run and his low cross was turned home by sub, Ali Sen.

Perry then saved at sub, Ben Aitken’s, feet and Hillard again made crucial tackles, along with fellow defenders, Craig Allan, and captain, Charlie Hitchings, whilst Dempsey rounded off a good performance.

Rovers had two late chances as Bament had a great chance one on one with Highworth keeper, Connor Johns, and recent signing, Elliott Dugan, shot over from 25 yards.

Star Man of the Match: Joe Hillard (Paulton Rovers)

Tony Walsh