PAULTON ROVERS 0 WINCHESTER CITY 1
Winchester took the points and looked the better side in a scrappy first half, with Rovers’ young keeper, Adam Forster, kept alert.
The visitors’ skipper, Jamie Barron, crossed, only for Josh Harfield to head over. Paulton’s first chance came on fifteen minutes as Ben Withey’s free-kick was fisted out by Ryan Pryce, and Kye Mountford shot over.
Barron’s drive on 23 minutes looked goal-bound, but Joe Hillard deflected for a corner. The Citizens took the lead on 34 minutes as Barron found Simba Mlamba, who cut in from the right to fire past Forster. Forster was again alert to parry out Rob Carr’s shot and recover to collect the ball as Oli Bailey bore down.
Paulton started the second half brightly, and Hillard produced a superb tackle to stop the hardworking Bailey, then Barron set up Carr, who shot wide. Rovers had a great chance as Withey’s left-wing corner was headed over by skipper, Charlie Hitchings.
City had a great chance on 69 minutes, as Mlamba split the home defence, raced onto by Bailey – however, Forster saved well as the striker looked to score. Then, Barron combined with Bailey and Joe Cook headed over. Substitute, Tyrell Mitford, crossed and Mlamba should have scored but turned the ball over the net.
Left-back, Jake Rawlings, drove forward, played a one-two with Mitford, then Barron’s corner was deliberately handled into the net by Carr. The referee originally awarded a goal until the assistant advised him and the guilty Carr was only shown a yellow card.
Rovers’ best chance in the final minute saw Hillard find Sam Jordan, who brought the ball down only for his goal-bound shot to be deflected for a corner. Man of the Match: Joe Hillard, Paulton Rovers.
Next Saturday, Paulton Rovers are away to title challengers, Blackfield & Langley. The Hampshire side, based near Fawley Oil Refinery, are a tough, experienced outfit with a big budget. The coach leaves the club at 10.45 a.m., and supporters wishing to travel should add their names to the list in the clubhouse.
Tony Walsh