A gutsy performance by both sides ended evens at Winterfield Road.

Rovers took an ninth-minute lead following a left wing corner from Dale Evans, and the ball fell to Omar Simpson to turn home.

George Burton – in goal for Paulton, following Andy Hannah stepping up to sign for Gloucester City – saved from Tony Lee’s low shot.

Rovers skipper, Josh Ford, laid the ball to Jack Ball, only for the young striker to hit the side netting.

Evans then brought a save from Totton goalie, Shane Murphy, and on the half hour his side levelled. Jack Masterson won a free kick on the right, and the visiting captain, Dave Allen, nodded into the path of Callum Chugg to score.

Rovers came out battling in the second half, with Josh Morgan Williams twice firing wide.

The Stags responded with sub Craig Feeney testing Burton, and Chugg heading wide.

Paulton pressed hard in the last ten minutes, with Simpson, Evans and Morgan Williams all seeking that elusive winner.

Tony Walsh