A fast flowing first half saw chances from Paulton’s Dave O’Hare, Kai Williamson and Paulo Borges, keeping Keynsham keeper Joel Manning busy.

The hosts responded through Freddie Frazer and the impressive Henry Sady firing wide.

Rovers thought they had gotten ahead at 38 minutes in, when Nuno Felix’s free kick hit the underside of the bar and panic ensured as Keynsham cleared.

Five minutes after the restart, Leo Eglin broke through and tried to chip the 6’10’ Mannings, who got a hand to block that chance. Paulton went ahead two minutes later as Williamson and Eglin set up O’Hare who turned the ball home.

Both sides pressed on as the game became frantic with misplaced passes. Keynsham levelled on 68 minutes as a clinical through ball from Kyle Anderson found Riley Gifford-Hobbs to slot past Rover custodian Aaron Sainsbury.

Minutes later, Sainsbury was alert to blocked Own Brain’s effort. Then O’Hare brought a fine save from Mannings.

So, to the lottery of a penalty shoot out - both teams first four penalties were well taken and converted. Keynsham’ fifth spot kick, taken by Will Sage, brought a fine save low to his left by Sainsbury. Mike Ilea thumped home to give Paulton a place in the next round.

A first win for management duo Craig Loxton and John Durbin give them and the Rovers players a real boost as they head to Hamworthy on Saturday which will again be played on a 3G pitch. Tony Walsh