Paulton travelled to the Meadow home of Chesham United, hoping to get at least a point in what is likely to prove a very tough Evostik Southern League Premier.

Rovers keeper, Ben John, was alert to produce two great saves. First ex-Fulham and Bristol Rovers striker, Barry Hayles, set up Dave Pearce, then Hayles himself could not beat the giant stopper.

Paulton responded when Shayne Anson won the ball for Mitchell Page to head on to Tom Knighton, who wove to create space, only to shoot wide. Aaron Brown was fouled and Cameron Brown’s free kick was headed over his own crossbar by Nick Beasant, son of former Wimbledon Crazy Gang keeper, Dave.

Hayles then demonstrated his quality with his first shot blocked by Alex Grimshaw. Then he met a cross from Ash Smith on the left, but his goal-bound header was superbly turned for a corner by John. With his next attempt, Hayles shot wide and on the half hour, his long through ball to Ryan Blake was intercepted by John, who had to head clear. Five minutes later, John saved with his feet as Pearce tried to find the net.

On forty minutes, Rovers’ striker, Mitchell Page, was fouled and Aaron Brown’s free kick on the left was headed for a corner on the right. Chesham keeper, George Legg, on loan from Reading, fisted the ball away and Page picked up the ball and was fouled by centre-half, Laurie Stewart.

Aaron Brown hammered a sublime free kick past Legg to give the Somerset side a 1–0 lead against the overall run of play.

‘The Generals’ started the second half in determined mood, putting Rovers under the cosh. Sam Youngs saw his shot whistle past the post, although John appeared to have it covered.

The period of sustained pressure paid off after 54 minutes, as Youngs collected the ball twenty-five yards out and thundered the ball past John, who had no chance to level at 1–0.

Four minutes later, United were ahead. Hayles jinked left and right on the right byline to cross for the unmarked Pearce to head home near the left post.

Paulton then had their period of dominance as they sought an equaliser. Cameron Brown had a golden opportunity, but crucially the former Radstock Town player lost his balance as he attempted to shoot.

Then Knighton twisted his way into the box and instead of shooting, laid the on-rushing left back, Sam Teale, who drove the ball over the bar.

Page was again fouled and substitute Ben Bament’s free kick was parried by Legg and no Rovers player could get to the loose ball.

Pearce then shot wide as he collected a misplaced header and Anson blocked from Matt Taylor. Then Blake slipped the ball to Hayles, only to be prevented by another save from John.

Taylor should have scored from substitute Tashan Dwyer’s cross, but missed the ball completely.

The final five minutes saw a bombardment of the Chesham goal, as Rovers threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at United in an effort to return home with at least a point. Alas, they went home disappointed.

Man of the Match was Ben John, Paulton Rovers.

As The Journal went to press on Tuesday, 18th August, Paulton were home to Cirencester Town and this Saturday are home to Warwickshire side, Bedworth United, based near Coventry. Like Rovers, they have had a similar start to the season. Kick-off is at 3 p.m.

The Youth Team play their first match in the Somerset Floodlit Youth league next Thursday, 27th August at home to Ashton and Backwell, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend Rovers have their longest trip of the season to Norfolk to face Kings Lynn Town, then on Monday, 31st August, Bideford are the visitors, with kick-off at 3 p.m.

Rovers lost away to Weymouth last Tuesday evening, 4–1.

Tony Walsh