PAULTON ROVERS 1 WESTON SUPER MARE 4

Weston-super-Mare won this Somerset Premier League tie with a slightly flattering final score.

A first half played at a fast pace was spoiled by a poor penalty decision on the stroke of half-time.

Cam Shorney had a shot tipped over by Weston keeper, Niall Maher, and Rovers went ahead after five minutes as Jake Sloggett on the halfway line intercepted a clearance from Charlie Madden and raced on to fire home.

Four minutes later, former Paulton favourite, Nick McCootie, slipped a through ball driven home by Sam Hendy.

It was end to end before the Seagulls went ahead as Hendy fed Brandon Barnes to score. The former Paulton player has returned from playing professionally in Australia.

That was followed by a swift Rovers move down the right by Dave Sims Burgess to Sloggett to cross and Bament’s touch was blocked by Maher’s foot.

Maher tipped over an in-swinging corner as Weston broke on 45 minutes and Hendy went down easily under Challenge from Shorney. Scott Laird converted from the spot kick.

Paulton looked the better in the early stages of the second half, as Bament shot wide then brought a parry from Maher and Sloggett was threatening.

Ryan Jones, on the left for the visitors, saw his volley held by Joe Perry in the Rovers goal.

Barnes robbed Rovers’ young full back, Mason Harrison, and his goal-bound strike was cleared by Joe Hillard. Then George Dowling saw Perry tip over and a minute later he struck the post.

Barnes made it 4-1 on 81 minutes, finding a loose ball, and his deflected shot beat Perry.

Rovers, looking for a second goal, saw Maher turn away Butcher’s shot and Sloggett’s cross was headed towards goal by Gay and Laird cleared off the line.

On Saturday, Paulton are at Frome Town in the Southern League, kick off 3 p.m.

On Tuesday next, Rovers are away to Bedfont Sports, based near Heathrow Airport, in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Buildbase FA Trophy. The Londoners beat Hitchin Town in a replay with a 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out, with the sides tied 1-1 after extra time.

The coach leaves the club at 2.45 p.m. Supporters wishing to travel should add their names to the list in the clubhouse.

Tony Walsh