Paulton Rovers responded well to the disappointment of the previous Saturday’s league performance against Mangotsfield with a comfortable victory in the Somerset Premier Cup Quarter-Final against a spirited Odd Down on Tuesday, 20th February.

Manager John Rendell reacted to the previous defeat with several changes, which included moving recent signing, Nuno Felix, further forward to left midfield, and there were returns for the striking duo of Jack Ball and Liam Monelle.

Backed by a travelling army of loyal Rovers fans, chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges, with Odd Down creating the first shot on target that was well saved by in-form Rovers’ keeper, Andy Hannah.

As the first half entered its final stages, Rovers began to take more control on the game, and in the 39th minute, they produced the moment of the half with an excellent goal.

Firstly, the refreshed Camen Harvery intercepted the ball close to half-way, before moving the ball quickly on to Monelle, who showed great vision and touch, floating a ball over the top for the on-rushing Jack Ball.

From then on, there was only going to be one outcome, as the young hitman caught the keeper off guard, taking the ball early and lifting a perfectly-measured lob over the Odd Down keeper into the net, giving Rovers the lead at half-time.

No sooner had the second half started and Rovers were out of the blocks, scoring their second goal on the 47th minute. Thanks again to a fine passing move – where not one, not two, but nine Paulton players were involved in moving the ball back to front – with an eventual lay-off to Felix on the left edge of the penalty area, who took aim and rifled a low shot into the corner, giving the keeper no chance. It was Nuno’s first goal for the club, and no doubt there will be many more to come with that gifted left peg.

From then on, the game started to open up as Odd Down looked to get themselves back in it, but it was Rovers looking the more likely when, firstly, Sims fizzed one just over and then Ball almost got his second before the home side scrambled clear.

In the end, Rovers saw the game out well and can now look forward to a Semi-Final tie towards the end of March.

Rovers were due to host AFC Totton last Saturday, which ended up being postponed, and had been looking for a similar performance as the reverse fixture back in January, when Rovers comfortably beat the ‘Stags’ 3–0.

Instead, all eyes will be on this Saturday’s match where the team are due to take on Wimborne Town.

Steve Longden