PAULTON ROVERS 4 BRISTOL MANOR FARM 2

Bristol Manor Farm had two early chances, as Jordan Metters’ shot was blocked by Craig Allan. Alan Griffin, newly signed from Cirencester, headed wide from Tyler Ashmead’s cross. Paulton’s debutant loan

signing from Bristol City, Marcus Day, got on the end of Ed Butcher’s pass, only to see his effort blocked.

Manor Farm went ahead after 25 minutes as Metters’ free kick was headed on by Griffin and Steve Kingdon poked the ball home.

Rovers began some flowing football and on 36 minutes they levelled as Abraham fed Day, who turned two defenders to slam the ball home.

On the stroke of half-time, Day met a Butcher pass and hit a superb dipping volley, giving keeper, Ben John, no chance.

The visitors started the second period well, with Metters’ shot again blocked by Allan from another lovely Ashmead cross.

Paulton made it 3–1 on 61 minutes, as Ben Withey’s free kick, deep on the left, was deflected past a despairing John.

Metters’ cross saw Griffin again press, chipping over, and in response, Day turned his defender and tested John.

Manor Farm pulled a goal back on 86 minutes as a deflected shot fell into the path of Metters, who drove past Joe Perry. Butcher rounded John, and from a narrow angle, hit the side netting. However, in added time, Bament made it 4–2 from the penalty spot after he was brought down by John.

Star Man of the Match: Marcus Day (Paulton Rovers).

As The Journal went to press on Tuesday evening, Paulton’s First team were due to play Sholing in the Buildbase FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round replay, with the winners due to be away to Bath City at Twerton Park this Saturday, 14th December, kick off at 3 p.m. Should Rovers be knocked out, they will travel to AFC Totton.

Then, on Tuesday, 17th December, Paulton are due to be at home to Taunton Town in the Third Round of the Southern League Challenge Cup, kick-off 7.30 p.m. Of course, the weather could affect matters, so check: www.paultonrovers.co.uk

The Reserves are at home to Mells & Vobster, kick-off 2 p.m. Last Saturday, they beat Peasedown 2–1 in the Cup. The Under-18s are home on Thursday, 12th December to Corsham Town U18s, kick-off 7.30 p.m. and away to Keynsham Town U18s on Monday, 16th December, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. Tony Walsh