Bristol Manor Farm 2 Paulton Rovers 0

Paulton were up against the in-form team in this league, but the Rovers defence, marshalled admirably by Captain Neil Martin, were excellent in keeping the Farm attack at bay for much of the match.

Manor Farm, having won their last five matches, started with confidence. Rovers’ keeper, Aaron Sainsbury, had to make a smart save from Jake Gosling at close range in the opening minute. Paulton responded brightly and Will Harvey’s strong running and Leighton Thomas’s ability to hold the ball up led to free kicks which were both fired narrowly wide by Ed Butcher.

Butcher then shot over the bar following great work in midfield by Liban Ibrahim, while Thomas headed a clever cross from George Fowler just wide of the Farm goal.

However, the Bristol side began to exert the greater pressure. Michael Bryant had a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside, while a cross from the dangerous Jayden Nielsen was held by Sainsbury. Sainsbury then made a spectacular fingertip save from the Farm centre forward, Lucas Vowles.

In the 25th minute, a hard, low cross from Neilsen was turned sharply into the net by Bryant at the near post to give Manor Farm the lead. At this point, the home team were finding space on the wings, creating the better chances.

As half-time approached, Martin, having won the ball from Lloyd Mills, was then harshly adjudged to have hauled the Farm striker down as he tried to regain control. Gosling scored emphatically from the penalty to make it 2–0 to the home team.

Paulton heads did not drop though and Mills was booked for a wild challenge on Thomas as Rovers tried hard to respond.

In the second half Paulton, now benefitting from playing into the strong wind, gradually gained some control. Fowler and Ibrahim were working really hard in midfield to retain the ball with short, accurate passing, creating opportunities for Butcher, Thomas and Harvey.

Rovers’ defender, Kyle Anderson ventured forward to curl a shot agonisingly wide following a corner as Paulton sought to reduce the arrears. Likewise, Alfie Clarke repeatedly found good positions in space on the left, but didn’t see enough of the ball. Manor Farm were always dangerous on the break and Sainsbury had to save swirling shots from Vowles and Gosling.

Paulton managed to work the ball into wide positions, but too often crosses were inaccurate or spoiled by the wind. As a result, clear scoring opportunities were few. Dan Dempsey and Jack Ball joined the game and did well, making important interceptions. Dave O’Hare was unlucky with a shot which just missed the post.

This young Paulton side battled really well against a strong team and deserved some reward, especially from their second half display. Aaron Sainsbury was excellent in goal throughout. Liban Ibrahim worked tirelessly all over the pitch. The whole team should be congratulated for a resilient team performance on a blustery, unforgiving day.

The Manor Farm fans, drummer and all, made it clear how hard earned this victory had been.

Paulton Man of the Match: Kyle Anderson – defensively strong and

incisive.

Noel Avis