Rovers went down 4–1 to Biggleswade Town, despite having even possession. Bristol Rovers loanee, Jay Malpas, made his debut on a month’s loan with Paulton.

They were hit by an opening goal from a 25-yard strike from Sam Merson after 32 minutes. The son of former Arsenal and England player, Paul Merson, was a major impact on the game, giving a Man of the Match performance.

Earlier, Andy Iweuno had hit the top of the cross bar for the Waders, who saw skipper, Craig Daniel, race on past Rovers’ defence and his cross shot was dragged wide. Paulton had a chance when Jordan Ricketts shot over the bar.

Paulton looked on top in the early stages of the second half, but were 2–0 down after 52 minutes as Tony Burnett’s clever back heel flick found Merson who hit a firm low shot past Ben John.

The home side got a third goal five minutes later when Daniel broke down the right and hit his low drive past John. This started a good period of play by Paulton, with neat build-up but no end product. Cameron Brown and Ross Staley had several shots deflected for corners.

The fourth goal for Biggleswade in the 66th minute was a scrappy affair, as Burnett turned and his shot hit the post and right-back, Max York, mishit the loose ball into the net.

Again, Rovers battled on and were rewarded on 85 minutes as a ball down the right from Alex Grimshaw saw Ben Bament outpace the home defence before rounding the onrushing keeper, Gary Malone, and rolling the ball into an empty net.

This Saturday, Paulton travel to Cinderford Town in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, kick-off at 3 p.m. The coach will leave the club at 10.45 a.m.

The Sunday XI got off to a winning 2–1 start on promotion to the Bath Sunday League Division Three at home to Bear Flat. This

Sunday they are home to Walcot FC in the First round of the Stan Milsom Knockout Cup.

Tony Walsh