Bideford AFC 0 Paulton Rovers 2

Paulton came away from their third Saturday in Devon on the trot with a deserved win that could have been more convincing, but for a great performance by Biddy keeper, Adam Seedhouse-Evans, who signed from Barnstaple in the week after facing Rovers last weekend.

On a rain-sodden pitch and the grass cut quite long, Rovers played flowing inter passing football in contrast to the host long ball policy.

Seedhouse-Evans saved from Lee Ibrahim, who was set up by Dave O’Hare, then Jake Sloggett sent Ed Butcher down the left whose shot was blocked by the keeper’s feet.

As Rovers continued to press, the keeper tipped over from O’Hare after good build-up started by Captain, Nuno Felix.

Bideford’s first chance was from Jack Calver’s free kick with Toby Down heading wide. Then Calver played through Rubin Wilson but the Paulton stopper was out swiftly to smother at his feet.

Rovers opened the second half as Butcher sped past his marker, found Sloggett, who laid the ball to Ibrahim, who saw his shot turned for a corner.

The home side tried to get into the game but Seedhouse-Evans made a double save from Leighton Tuodolo and O’Hare.

On 63 minutes, Paulton went ahead as the lively Ibrahim drove into the area and was brought down for a penalty and O’Hare tucked the ball home despite the keeper getting a hand on the ball.

Biddy tested Sainsbury who easily held from sub, Charles Hanson and Jon Charles.

Braeden Symes, returning from injury came on, had a volley saved and Butcher set up Ibrahim who saw his effort saved by the keeper’s feet.

Rovers made it 2–0 on 85 minutes as Symes threaded a pass to Butcher with his low cross turned home by 18-year-old substitute, Will Harvey.

A minute later, Adam Kelly, on for Ibrahim, nearly added a third and Harvey was narrowly wide.

Paulton were Away to Bristol Manor Farm in the Southern League this Tuesday as The Journal went to press. The two sides meet again on Saturday in the FA Trophy. Tony Walsh