Paulton Rovers took the points in a scrappy game in blazing heat at Wantage Town last Saturday. Kailan Gould’s low cross evaded his Rovers’ team mates and Jordan Ricketts found Paulton striker, Reeko Best, who headed wide.
Wantage winger, Mason Thompson, tested keeper, Ed Baldy, whilst Rovers’ Nathan Summers looped Gould’s cross over the bar.
On the stroke of half-time Rovers took the lead, as a long cross field ball from right back, Elliott Keighley, was turned home by Gould.
Two minutes after the restart, it was 2–0 as Elliott Gibbons laid the ball to Conor O’Sullivan, who drove the ball across to player/manager, Stuart Cantrell, who inadvertantly headed into his own net.
Three minutes later it was 3–0 as Will Hailstone broke down the left and threaded the ball to Gibbons to shoot home.
Wantage then had a spell of constant threats, with several chances going begging and Baldy saving well from first Cattell then Harry Halls, who could have scored if it was not for the Rovers keeper.
Reeko Best looked exhausted for all his running and hard leading in the heat. The Paulton attack twice had chances to score late on, first hitting the crossbar, then winning a tussle, attempting to shoot across Cavanagh. If he had rounded the keeper a fourth goal would have been more likely.
Alex Grimshaw and Summers both had to work hard to prevent the home side getting back into the game.
Man of the Match: Alex Grimshaw (Paulton).
As The Journal went to press on Tuesday evening, Paulton entertained Wimborne Town, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. This Saturday, Rovers welcome Didcot Town, kick-off at 3 p.m. and next Tuesday, 16th August, Tony Ricketts’ men travel to newly-promoted Barnstaple Town, kick-off at 7.45 p.m. The coach is likely to leave the club at 4 p.m. Supporters wishing to travel should add their names to the list in the clubhouse.
Paulton are away to Blackfield and Langley in the preliminary Round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 20th August. The Hampshire side, who beat Hallen 2–0 in the pre-preliminary round last Saturday, are based near the Fawley Oil Refinery south of Southampton.
On Sunday, 14th August the Sunday XI play the under-18s, kick-off at 12.30 p.m.