PAULTON ROVERS 3 CARDIFF CITY U23’s 2

Rovers beat a well-organised Cardiff City U-23 squad with a late goal.

Paulton’s early pressure saw left back, Nuno Felix, cross from the left and striker, Leighton Thomas, head wide.

Adam Keely down the right was deflected for a corner as early pressure then saw Dan Cottle lay the ball to Jake Sloggett, with the left winger shooting wide. Cottle then weaved through the visitors’ defence, getting the better of his burly defender, Ibrahim Bakare.

Rovers lost Kelly through injury on eighteen minutes, bringing on seventeen-year-old youth team player, Joe Paradise, who has figured in five out of seven pre-season friendlies.

Cardiff began to get on top and right winger, Rhys Schwank, got through and tried to chip the ball over Paulton keeper, Aaron Sainsbury, who cut out the danger where he held on to a shot by Trialist B.

Sloggett set up Dave O’Hare, whose low shot was narrowly wide of the Cardiff goal.

On 41 minutes, Thomas went on a superb run and his shot was blocked by Bakare, whose long clearance found Chanka Zimba who raced on round Sainsbury to put the Welsh side ahead.

Rovers started the second half well and levelled on 48 minutes as Thomas broke through ‘the Bluebirds’’ defence and slipped the ball through to Cottle to slot home.

Nine minutes later, Cardiff restored their lead through Trialist B as he drove a low drive past Sainsbury.

Paulton responded well as sub, Tyler Jackson, broke down the left and his cross whizzed across the goal eluding Thomas.

The hosts equalised on 66 minutes as good work by Jackson found Braeden Symes – his fierce shot beating the keeper.

Paulton were now on top and Lee Ibrahim, then Thomas, brought saves from the Cardiff goalie. They got the winner on 86 minutes out of the blue as an over hit back pass by Josh Rippon eluded his keeper to make it 3–2.

Paulton travel to Wimborne Town on Saturday, kick-off is

3 pm. The coach leaves the club at 11 am and supporters wishing to travel should add their name to the list in the clubhouse. Tony Walsh