Paulton turned in some flowing football in a lively first game, going ahead through a superb Ryan Gay goal on 26 minutes.

Slimbridge, ‘The Swans’, could have had a good chance on six minutes, as Yeshaya Lomotey threaded a through-ball. Ewen Dunbar then had a shot held by Rovers’ keeper, Rob Brown.

Paulton’s goal saw a lovely move started by Aysa Corrick, whose pass found Jay Malpas and his flick to Gay saw him turn quickly and fire home. Rovers thought they had a shout for a handball in the area. Gay twisted and turned to set up another chance, and then laid the ball back for Malpas to test visiting keeper, Lewis Adams.

Both sides spurned chances at the restart, as Gay once again tested Adams, and then set a chance up for Ben Withey. Paulton made it 2–0 on fifty minutes as Jordan Lovibond and Malpas set up Gay to fire his second goal. Slimbridge pulled a goal back on 66 minutes as a long-ball caused confusion in Rovers’ defence, and substitute, Jamie Martin, turned the ball home.

Paulton had a great chance to add to their tally as Withey set up Malpas one-on-one with the keeper, who snuffed out certain danger. Dunbar misheaded a great chance in response, and Malpas curled in a shot which hit the post, before Corrick’s follow-up was turned for a corner. As the Swans pressed, Korey Pring wasted a chance heading wide. Star Man of the Match: Ryan Gay, Paulton Rovers.

On Saturday, 13th October, Rovers are away in the FA Trophy competition to Bristol Manor Farm; kick-off 3 p.m. In the event of a draw, the replay will be at Winterfield Road next Wednesday, 17th October, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

Tony Walsh