Paulton Rovers 1 
Exmouth Town 0

At the start of play, a minutes silence was observed in memory of Andrew ‘Shifter’ Hill, a long time supporter of Paulton FC.

Just before the match kicked off, the heavens opened on to what was an already soaking wet surface. Add in a strong wind, and playing conditions were therefore very difficult. Both teams deserve credit for producing some decent football.

But it was Paulton who kept visitors Exmouth Town on the back foot for most of the first half, as controlled play from forwards Joe Morgan, Will Hailston, Dan McBeam and Ed Butcher kept play in the opponents half for long periods. Town were only able to manage sporadic attacks, finding Rovers’ keeper Aaron Sainsbury in splendid form.

Butcher forced several corners, but headers from Mike Ilea and Hailston sailed over the bar. One great run and shot from the skilful McBeam narrowly missed the target, while another effort from him was saved by Rob Powell, the Town keeper. David O’Hare and Dan Dempsey were enjoying freedom in midfield and were joining the attacks.

Rovers thought the deadlock had been broken, when from an O’Hare free kick, the ball was bundled into the net, but Morgan was deemed to have come from an offside position.

Paulton defenders Nick Hewlett, Nuno Felix and captain Neil Martin were working together well as a unit, constantly catching the opposing forwards offside, as they tried hard to get a foothold in the game.

When Exmouth striker Aaron Denny managed to break through the lines, the ever alert Sainsbury sprinted forward to boot the ball to safety.

Despite Rovers having the majority of play, credit should go to the Exmouth defenders Harry Walford and captain Dave Rowe who ensured the score remained 0-0 at half time.

After the break, Town came more into the game and, from a corner, Dan Cullen put a header wide of Sainsbury’s left hand post. But Paulton continued to force the pace and McBeam produced a great run and shot which flashed wide. Ed Butcher also showed moments of great skill wide on the left, but too often crosses were overhit or were unconverted.

Substitute Jack Dancey, replacing the injured Mike Ilea, added to Paulton’s attacking options.

The wet pitch began to cut up badly and the football became scrappy as players struggled with ball control and passes were often misplaced.

But just as it seemed the game was destined to be goalless, in the seventy-seventh minute, Will Hailston gained control of the ball on the right hand side and struck a fine shot past the surprised Powell in the Exmouth goal to give Paulton a deserved lead.

From then on, the Rovers players produced some excellent football, keeping control and not allowing Town a touch. That lasted until, in the last minute, Exmouth were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. They blazed the ball over the bar. In any case, there was an offside.

The Rovers faithful trudged home to dry off, while the Paulton team muddied but unbowed, recorded their fourth straight win, moving up to seventh in the table.

Man of the match: Dan McBeam, who overcame a nasty blow in the face to show skill and artistry with the ball.