HIGHWORTH TOWN 1 PAULTON ROVERS 0
A swirling wind prevented flowing football as Paulton went down to another defeat.
Jack Ball had a great chance to give Rovers a first-minute lead as Connor Johns spilt a cross. Darren Jeffries, a constant thorn in the side for Highworth against his former side, twice had chances and brought saves from Adam Forster in the visitors’ goal. A low cross from Ed Mbunga saw striker, Yeshaya Lomotey, blast over the top as it looked easier to score.
Paulton’s best move on the half-hour came from Joe Hillard clearing his line, and Jay Malpas found Sam Jordan, who fired wide. On half-time, home full-back, Jon Else, chipped in and the wind caused the ball to clip the top of the crossbar.
Highworth dominated the early second half, and Lomotey and Jeffries tested Forster, and the former Slimbridge man then missed a golden opportunity. Highworth grabbed the only goal as Lomotey converted a Jeffries cross, although Forster looked as if he was impeded.
Dale Evans whipped in a solid free-kick and a firm Jordan header was wonderfully turned across the post by Johns. Rovers’ response saw substitutes, Liam Monelle and Ryan Gay,
combine, for the latter to see his shot blocked, then Gay chasing a long-ball was taken out by Johns, with the referee awarding a bounce up.
In the final minute, Town’s experienced substitute, Ash Edenborough, was harshly shown a straight red card as the game petered out.
The First Team are home this Saturday, 9th March, to play off chasing Cirencester Town; kick-off 3 p.m. When the teams met in the reverse fixture at Cirencester, Paulton won a thrilling encounter, 5-3.
The following Saturday (16th March), it’s another home game, with Evesham United the visitors, again with a 3 p.m. kick off.
The Youth Team, who are currently top of the Somerset Floodlit Youth League, are away at Keynsham Town on Monday, 11th March; kick-off 7.30 p.m.
Tony Walsh