Paulton lost at home on Friday night to a slick National League South side, Weston-super-Mare.
The Seasiders opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Jacob Cane won the ball in midfield and broke through the home defence to slot past Ed Baldy in the Paulton goal. Rovers’ striker, George Brimson, hit a goalwards pile driver, only for it to be deflected for a corner. Weston made it two after 34 minutes with an element of luck. Elliot Richards was offside when he received the ball, laid it to Jake Mawford and the striker, who was on loan at Rovers last season, drove the ball past Baldy.
Two minutes before the break, it was 3–0. Joe McClennan broke down the right wing and his low cross evaded the Paulton defence to give Mawford an easy tap in.
Immediately on the restart, McClennan split the defence and Baldy was called to the home team rescue, saving to turn the ball away. Former Bristol City trainee, Jordan Williams, was impressive for Weston as an attacking left back.With both sides making changes, Weston grabbed a fourth as McClennan’s cross was turned home by Mawford.
Paulton made 5–1 with a goal that was a superb low shot on 74 minutes from former youth team player, Will Hailstone. This gave Rovers some incentive and they piled on the pressure, with Ricketts and Kailan Gould testing visiting keeper, Luke Purcell. However in the final minute, Mawford was tripped in the penalty area and he converted the resultant spot kick.
The Evostik Southern League season opens this Saturday, 6th August with a trip to Wantage Town, kick off, 3 p.m. As there are logistical problems, players and supporters will make the trip by car. On Tuesday, 9th August the first Evostik Southern League Division 1, South and West game at Winterfield Road sees Wimborne Town the visitors kick off, 7.30 p.m. and then Rovers entertain Didcot Town at home on Saturday, 13th August at 3 p.m.
Tony Walsh