PAULTON ROVERS 1 SHOLING 2

Paulton Rovers faced Sholing in the Buildbase FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round replay, which was an end-to-end first game with lots of slipping errors on the heavy pitch, with Sholing advancing to play Bath City on Tuesday, as The Journal went to press.

Sholing’s long ball policy twice saw Lee Wort thwarted by Rovers keeper, Joe Perry. Then Brad Targett saw his shot blocked by Paulton central defender, Craig Allan.

The Boatmen had great chances as Stuart Green’s cross from the right was missed by Wort in front of goal.

Paulton went ahead on 21 minutes as Ben Bament sprayed a ball down the right to Ed Butcher, who cut inside and hit a bobbly right-footed shot which somehow evaded Sholing keeper, Ryan Gosney, low to his right.

On 33 minutes, Ryan Gay found Butcher, who with his left foot, hit a low drive off the inside of the post.

Three minutes later, Perry was alert to cut out a dangerous cross from the right by Jack Nicholas.

The visitors levelled on 51 minutes as a long ball from left back, Jake Hoole, saw a Nicholas run-on to slot past Perry.

Jake Sloggett had a goal-bound shot blocked and then on 69 minutes thundered a shot off the underside of the crossbar, which Dan Miller cleared for Sholing.

Bament brought a flying save from Gosney, who then turned Sloggett’s deflected shot for a corner.

Sloggett was then shown a second yellow for simulation and Sholing punished Rovers as Bryon Mason won the ball in midfield, albeit his foot was raised and his pass was raced onto by Wort, who chipped over Perry for the winner.

Sponsors PG Owen (Accountants) Limited, Star Man of the Match – Ed Butcher (Paulton Rovers).

1st Team: Paulton are home to Taunton Town on Tuesday, 17th December in the Third Round of the Southern League Challenge Cup, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

On Saturday, 21st December they are home in the league to Highworth Town, kick-off at 3 p.m.

Then, on Boxing Day, 26th December, they travel to Mangotsfield United with a 12.30 p.m. kick-off.

The Youth team were at Keynsham Town on Monday, 16th December, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.