Paulton had the first chance in last Saturday’s match as James Byrne fired across the goal and Slimbridge responded with Adam Mace’s fierce free kick, which brought a great save from Rovers’ stopper, Keiran Hodges.

Rovers should have scored on 21 minutes, as Dave Sims’ shot was blocked and Byrne’s follow-up was parried by Ollie Hall and Ryan Radford, who shot wide.

The Visitors’ diminutive play maker, Harrison Reeves, cut the ball back for Luke Payne to fire wide. Paulton’s teenage centreback, Joe Hillard and Sam Hedges looked firm in the home defence.

Sims drew another save from Hall, but on 39 minutes was fouled by skipper, Alex Hoyle, and Byrne thumped home the penalty, hitting the underside of the bar to give paulton the lead. Hodges then saved from Joe Stokes on the stroke of half-time.

The second half started slow, until Simpson’s cross shot tested Hall. Hodges pushed Stokes’ drive away and Simpson broke to shoot over the top for Rovers. Kailan Gould, on as a substitute, turned and brought a save from Hall.

Slimbridge levelled on 75 minutes as substitute, Marley Thomas, turned home a cross from the right by Stokes.

Four minutes later, they went ahead in controversial fashion when Hall rushed out of his area to prevent Gould and apperaed to handle. The Swans broke and Thomas was on hand to tap in.

Paulton Rovers’ team: Kieran Hodges (GK) , Camen Harvey, Josh Cann, Sam Hedges, Joe Hillard, Joe Guest, James Byrne, Dale Evan (C), Omar Simpson, Dave Sims, Ryan Radford. Substitutes: Sam Taylor, Joe White, Andy Elcock, Joe Chandler, Kailen Gould. Star Man of the Match: Joe Hillard (Paulton Rovers).

Paulton were away to Salisbury on Tuesday this week as The Journal went to press. On Saturday, (19th August), they travel to Portland United in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, kick-off at 3 p.m. The coach leaves the club at 11 a.m. prompt. In the event of a replay, this will be at Winterfield Road on Tuesday, 22nd August, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.