PAULTON ROVERS 2 BANBURY UTD 1

The visitors had by far the better of the first half of this Red Insure First Round tie and only poor finishing and another fine display from Captain and Keeper, Ben John, ensured the teams went in level at half-time.

The first chance fell to United in the fifth minute when a lucky deflection sent Ricky Johnson away down the right, but his cross shot went wide of the far post. Then, on ten minutes, the same player found himself in the same position, but John was quick from his line, forced him wide and then saved with his leg. John was called into action to deny Johnson again and his strike partner, Liam Howards.

It was 22 minutes before Rovers created a chance, as David O’Hare set up Kyle Tooze, but his shot from the edge of the area was easily saved. On the stroke of half-time, John bravely dived at the feet of Howards, and blocked his shot for a corner on the left, which the defence failed to clear and United Skipper, Andy Gunn, sent his shot just over the bar.

Rovers were much better in the second half and almost took the lead in the 56th minute when a poor throw from visiting Keeper, Jack Harding, was intercepted by Ross Staley, but his 25-yard effort went just wide of the post. United responded immediately with Darius Browne racing away down the left before cutting inside and sending his shot just wide.

Banbury, however, went ahead on 58 minutes, when Tom Knighton lost possession in midfield and a simple pass inside full back, Aaron Brown, Liam Howards raced free and fired past John.

The lead lasted barely a minute as Knighton redeemed his earlier error as he slipped a pass to Tooze, who cut inside his marker before curling a shot past the United keeper and into the far corner.

Browne was denied by another John save while at the other end, Tooze’s long-range effort just cleared the bar as both sides strove for a goal to settle the tie without the need of penalties.

The game was settled seven minutes from time when Brown sent over a corner from Rovers’ right. David O’Hare flicked a header on and Jordan Ricketts, at the far post, forced the ball home.

The visitors came close to an equaliser, as first John did well to save from Zac McEachran and from the resultant corner, Gunn sent his header wide of the far post.

This was Rovers’ first competitive win in front of their home supporters and they will be hoping for a similar result in the league on Saturday when they visit Slough Town.

Rovers: Ben John, Alex Grimshaw, Aaron Brown, Adrian Harris, Josh Ford, Craig Allan, David O’Hare, Jordan Ricketts (Nathan Rudge, 90 mins), Tom Knighton Josh Morgan-Williams, 60 mins), Kyle Tooze, Ross Staley. Subs not used: Ben Bament, Richard Fey.

Attendance: 70

Man of the match: Ben John (Rovers).