Redditch hit twice in the first half and went on to have a resounding win as Rovers battled to stay in the game.

In the sixth minute from an Ashley Sammons corner, Will Richards’ header sailed over, with a shot on target by Robbie Thompson-Brown, which hit his own player.

Rovers’ first chance came as Jake Mawford headed wide for Jordan Ricketts to cross.

Redditch took a seven minute lead as Jazz Luckie beat the offside to score and immediately afterwards he found Thompson-Brown, who blasted over the bar. Mawford received a lucky bounce off the referee and raced on to hit the side netting. Nuno Felix had a shot blocked as Paulton pressed the visitors.

On 39 minutes Sammons had a great chance, though his chip was held by keeper, Ben John. Five minutes later, Sammons scored, curling a low shot into the net.

Rovers’ best chance came from Aaron Brown’s corner, Josh Read headed goalwards and Joe Chandler, following up, was thwarted by James Mutton defending.

The second half was barely two minutes old when Jordan Culliane-Liburd headed home Sammons’ corner and that knock back affected Rovers, with too many misplaced balls.

Mario Mateus worked well with Brown and substitute, Dave O’Hare, cutting through and hitting the post, then keeper, Viera, stopped Mateus and Mullings.

On the seventy-sixth minute, a mistake led to Redditch’s fourth as substitute, Luke Shearer, broke down the left and crossed for his fellow substitute, Jack Hallahan, who was on hand to turn the ball home.

Redditch made it 5–0 as another substitute, Jamie Molyneux, got down the left and shot low across John into the net.

Straight after Mullings’ on target volley deflected into the keeper’s hands and the final effort saw substitute, Sol Wheatley, shoot narrowly over the top after good build-up by Kelvin Douglas.

Paulton travel to play Kettering Town on Tuesday, 15th March as The Journal goes to press and will be on the road again this Saturday, 19th March at Dunstable Town, kick-off at 3 p.m.

Over Easter Paulton Rovers are at home to Cambridge City on Saturday, then away at Frome Town on Easter Monday, both kick-off at 3 p.m. The youth team are at home on Thursday, 24th March to Odd Down, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. The Sunday XI advanced to the semi-final of the Tom Morgan Cup with a 3–2 win over Heritage FC.