Paulton Rovers’ FA Cup dream remains intact as the side yet again came from behind to march on in the next round of the FA Cup. Salisbury opened the scoring on thirteen minutes, as Lewis Benson’s shot was finely turned home by Sam Roberts in an offside position. There was drama as Rover’s protest led to Assistant Manager, Paul Tovey, being sent to the stands.
Paulton levelled on twenty minutes, after they were lucky to be awarded a free kick on the right, and Josh Ford headed home with the help of the post. Salisbury Captain, Kane O’Keefe, turned on 35 minutes, to hit a tremendous shot from thirty yards out.
There was further drama as Referee, Dale Wootton, pulled a hamstring and had to be replaced.
O’Keefe missed numerous chances in the second half, but Rovers substitute, Liam Monelle, was fouled in the box and James Byrne equalised from a 75th minute penalty.
Paulton secured the win as Josh Morgan Williams broke through, and from the edge of the box chipped the ball in for the winner.
This Saturday, 14th October it is FA Cup action in the fourth qualifying round, and Rovers’ fifth game in the competition, as National League’s Sutton United come to Winterfield Road, with kick-off at 3 p.m.
Rovers’ Manager, John Rendell, hopes local support will turn out in large numbers, to cheer on his ‘do-or-die’ young side, who have come from behind in three cup ties to win 3–2.
It is eight years since Andy Jones welcomed Norwich City to Winterfield Road. Can they continue the miracle and get through to the first round of the FA Cup to once again live the dream?
Tony Walsh