PAULTON Rovers Under 18s came from behind to beat Wells City 4-2 away in the first round of the Roger Stone Cup, writes Tony Walsh.
City took a fourth minute lead as a long clearance saw Jensen Murphy race on to the ball and slot past Rovers’ keeper Oliver Lewis.
Rovers enjoyed lots of possession with Sam Hargraves setting up Ollie Russell; then they reversed roles to test home keeper Ollie Ostergaard.
Wells made it 2-0 after 21 minutes as another long clearance was picked up by Jude Evans and finished off by Shea Donnelly.
Paulton hit back as Joe Smith flicked the ball over his marker but his shot clipped the post. He then drove forward and volleyed narrowly over the bar. The visitors rang the changes for the second period with Reggie Rowell coming on and Caleb Hicks brought a save from Lewis.
Rovers pulled a goal back on 49 minutes as Rowell picked up the ball and fired a low drive past Ostergaard. Five minutes later and the sides were level as a misplaced pass found Smith whose low shot beat the home stopper.
Rowell was then the instigator in putting his side ahead as his low cross was turned into the net by Noah Roberts. Wells pressed to get back on level terms as first Max Parfitt shot over the bar and Murphy’s effort was held by Lewis.
Paulton made it 4-2 after69 minutes as Rowell won the ball on the edge of the box and laid the ball to Finlay Moncrieff to tuck into the net. Not to be outdone Wells pushed to reduce the deficit as Donnelly and then Josh Ryrie found the side netting.
Paulton will face Yate Town in the next round.