Paulton Rovers 0 
Hamworthy United 1

Hamworthy United arrived at Winterfield Road lying third from the top of this division, having been promoted last year.

It soon became clear that Rovers would need to be at their best to contain them. In the first few seconds, Sean Wright flashed a fierce shot past Aaron Sainsbury’s right-hand post.

However, Paulton began to grow in confidence and Tommy Scott, United’s keeper, grabbed a cross from Dan Dempsey while Martin Lenihan was ruled offside following good work by Jack Dancey. But captain Neil Martin’s defensive unit of Nick Hewlett, Dan Restorick and Mike Ilea needed to be on high alert to cope with the threat of Hamworthy’s clever wingers, Sam Griffin and Curtis Young.

Paulton’s goalkeeper, Aaron Sainsbury, used all his expertise and experience to firstly head clear from William Fletcher and then to save at point blank range from Cameron Munn. Martin made a brilliant block to end a period of intense pressure in the Rovers penalty area. Then, following a cross from Young, Fletcher’s header hit the bar, and was scrambled away.

Then Paulton then enjoyed a great spell of controlled football, in which Dempsey and Dancey were prominent. A fine attack, led by Lenihan and Ed Butcher brought a corner. From it, Nick Hewlett’s header was just inches away from opening the scoring. Will Hailston went close with a shot and Butcher went on a mesmerising run. Restorick’s monster throw-ins caused problems. But clear scoring opportunities were few.

In the 32nd minute, Hamworthy’s Young took a corner which was cleared back to him. He cut in and drove the ball hard and low across the face of goal. Fletcher was quickest to react and got there just ahead of Sainsbury to turn the ball into the net and give the Hammers the lead.

Chances were then created at either end, and Butcher got the ball through to Morgan to beat a defender, but his shot went disappointingly wide. Paulton retained their momentum into the second half and Butcher’s fine strike hit the post, but he was called offside.

The ball spent long periods of the second half in the air, with both sides seemingly reluctant to play on the ground, but Hamworthy had more control of the game. Aaron Sainsbury was called upon to repeatedly rush from his penalty area and act as an extra defender. He headed away on three occasions to deny dangerous United attacks.

Paulton’s main threat again centred on Butcher’s fine running, and his free kicks and crosses caused problems for Hamworthy. Restorick, meeting one of the free kicks, was unlucky not to hit the target while Lenihan’s shot was saved by the Hamworthy keeper. Another Butcher corner was close, but ended up on top of the netting. Substitute Leo Eglin’s run and shot was foiled by a last ditch tackle.

But Rovers were unable to seriously test the Hammers’ defence. Again, Paulton look a better team when they have the confidence to try to link play through midfield. They have a solid and robust defence backed by a fine goalkeeper. But too often, long hopeful balls up field are easily dealt with.

Hamworthy were the victors in this game due to a moment of clever wing play and better finishing, but Paulton’s team should be congratulated on their efforts to get something from the match. Their disappointment in defeat was clear. Their determination, resilience and teamwork were admirable.

Paulton Man of the match: Neil Martin – a captain’s performance throughout

Paulton Rovers: Sainsbury, Hewlett, Lenihan, Restorick, Ilea, Martin, Dancey, Dempsey, Morgan, Hailston, Butcher. Subs: Jenkin, Eglin, Cload, Loxton.

Next Saturday, 15th April Frome Town (away) 3pm.

Noel Avis