Paulton Rovers 4 Highworth Town 1

This was the second meeting of these teams in five days, Highworth having won the first encounter.

Both teams had changed personnel somewhat and the game was played at a high tempo throughout.

Paulton had the better of the opening midfield exchanges, with Lee Ibrahim for Rovers starting to control the play..The game sprang to life in the 16th minute as Leighton Tuodolo’s shot was brilliantly pushed onto the bar by Highworth keeper Christian Ayres. The ball bounced down and was cleared. (Alas, no goal line technology yet at Paulton.) Then almost immediately, Ibrahim’s snap shot rattled the crossbar again.

After 28 minutes, fine work by debutant Leo Eglin and the busy George Fowler set up Ed Butcher who, almost predictably, struck a fabulous shot from 20 yards to beat the goalkeeper and give Paulton a deserved 1- 0 lead. Butcher is a fine striker of the ball.

However, Highworth attacked in response and in the next minute, Matt Grabe’s speculative cross was glanced past Aaron Sainsbury in the Paulton goal by Daniel Grieve to make the score 1-1.

Paulton continued to dominate proceedings, with Tuodolo making penetrating runs and passes on the right. These resulted in opportunities for Butcher and Dan Cottle and panicky clearances by Highworth defenders. In the 37th minute, another fine crossfield pass by Tuodolo found Butcher, whose close control set up Ibrahim who struck a low shot firmly into the Highworth net to make the score 2-1.

The second half saw Highworth come more into the game with some incisive forward passing. Aaron Sainsbury had to make a great stop from Charlie McCrae after fine work from Rhys Wells. The excellent Kyle Anderson and the Paulton defence though, held firm. Paulton enjoyed productive breakaways and shots from Butcher and Nathan Brown went close.

In the 72nd minute, manager John Rendell sent on David O’Hare for what might be called an inspired substitution.

Following yet another quick break, a cross from the irrepressible Ibrahim was headed in at the far post by O’Hare.

Almost immediately, a fine headed clearance by captain Nuno Felix was picked up by Jake Sloggett. Sloggett produced an amazing run ending with a fine cross which was turned in by O’Hare for his second and a fourth goal for Paulton.

To their credit, Highworth continued to play attacking football and create chances. They contributed to an entertaining game. Sound work, though, by Dan Dempsey and his co-defenders and keeper Sainsbury meant that the score remained at Paulton Rovers 4 Highworth Town 1, sending the Rovers faithful went home happy!

The match was refereed with control by Robert Flynn and his assistants.

All of the Paulton squad contributed to this victory, with good movement, communication and passing evident throughout.

Paulton man of the match: Lee Ibrahim – boundless energy, contributions all over the pitch and a fine goal!

Tony Walsh