After a lively start in the ninth minute, Dave O’Hare looked to be brought down in the area by King’s Lynn’s Michael Clunan, but the referee, to everyone’s surprise, ruled the foul was committed outside the box. Paulton’s Aaron Brown’s free kick was headed wide by debutant, Jordan Ricketts.

The Linnets responded only for O’Hare to win the ball and run on to shoot straight at keeper, Alex Street.

King’s Lynn’s first corner on sixteen minutes by Clunan was headed away by O’Hare. The home side broke down the right as Jake Speight crossed for Craig Allan to head for a corner, from which Kern Miller headed wide.

Rovers centre forward, Josh Morgan-Williams, found Allan, who drove forward and tested Street. Lynn had a great chance as Sam Mulready’s shot was blocked by Pierce Mitchell, which led to a series of corners well defended by the visitors.

Speight was sent clear but Anson was on hand and from the corner, Ryan Fryatt tried a looping header over the bar on the half-hour.

On 37 minutes, Bristol Rovers’ loanee, Dominic Thomas, curled a lovely shot around the post for his adopted Rovers.

As half-time approached, the Linnets pressed, but Paulton’s new Club Captain, Shayne Anson, was leading by example with stout defending.

King’s Lynn started the second half well and after Clunan’s free kick was charged, Speight drove over the crossbar.

Rovers had Morgan-Williams taking on the home defence and Ben Bament crossed for O’Hare to be beaten by a last-ditch tackle.

On the hour, Mitchell was fouled and Aaron Brown’s free kick was fisted away by Street. At the other end, Stevenson headed over from full-back, Jackson Ramm’s cross.

The Linnets thought they had taken the lead on 64 minutes, as a loose ball fell to Toby Hilliard, who was ruled offside as he mishit the ball and it drifted into the net, passing a diving Ben John.

Substitute Dave Bridges shot weakly into John’s hands, then O’Hare came back defending, combining with Anson to snuff out home danger. On 76 minutes, Speight got through, bringing a save from John and then with the next move shot over.

Cameron Brown set up Thomas, shooting wide as Paulton threatened. Anson used his guile to prevent Hilliard as Assistant Manager, Nathan Rudge, came on to bolster midfield. Speight again should have done better as Allan closed him down twice in as many minutes.

King’s Lynn should have scored as Zielonka missed an open goal in the ninetieth minute and Speight had a miscued effort. Cam Brown was also causing problem as Rovers earned a deserved draw.

Paulton played Bideford on Bank Holiday Monday, drawing 0–0. A point a piece was a fair result on the balance of play and chances, but several crucial decisions could have impacted on the outcome as Rovers strive for their first win.

On a positive note, Manager, Richard Fey, is moulding his own squad with four teenagers and with three experienced injured players in Jordan Walker, Tom Knighton and Kyle Tooze hopefully available in the next few weeks, points and goals should follow.

This Saturday, the team travel to Bedfordshire to face Biggleswade Town, kick-off at 3 p.m., one of the surprise early season pacesetters and supporters wishing to travel should add their name to the list in the clubhouse.

On the following Saturday, the team travel to Cinderford Town in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round. The ‘Foresters’ won 1–0 at Longwell Green last Saturday to set up the encounter.

Next Tuesday, 8th September, the Youth Team are away to Welton Rovers, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

This Sunday, 6th September, the Sunday XI, having won promotion to the Bath Sunday League Division Three, open their league programme with a home fixture against Bear Flat FC, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.

Tony Walsh