PAULTON ROVERS U18s 3 LONGWELL GREEN U18s 2

The game started with Longwell Green pressing high up the field and creating a couple of early chances, narrowly missing the target.

However, it was Paulton who took the lead, with Ali Sen doing well to cut in from the left and finish into the far corner of the goal to complete Paulton’s first attack of the game.

The visitors immediately took back control of the game and found a breakthrough five minutes later, with Mitch Jones scoring the equaliser with a stunning strike from just outside the box. Both teams created more chances throughout the rest of the first half, but neither could find the net.

The second half started, and both teams struggled to get a hold of the ball, with lots of transferring of possession.

Again, it was Paulton who took the lead, through Blaine Lawrence, who found himself in the right place at the right time to put the ball into the back of the net.

The visitors refused to give in, and showed great spirit. Their efforts were rewarded when they received a free-kick roughly 25 yards out. Jones took full advantage of this with a well-taken finish, and put the scores level once again.

With five minutes left to play, the game looked to be heading for a draw. However, there was still time for one last piece of drama. Jake Curtis did very well to make space inside the Longwell penalty area, and put the ball across goal for the oncoming Mason Harrison, who fired the ball into the net to give the home side all three points, taking them top of the Somerset Floodlight League Central Division.

Tony Walsh