The game against Yate Town never really got going as each side snuffed the other out.

Matt Benham had a shot blocked as Paulton pressed and Trey Anderson responded as he was denied by home keeper, Andrew Hannah, bravely out of his area to tackle and clear.

Yate’s efforts largely fizzled out and their defence prevented Rovers from threatening the visitors’ goal.

Rovers started the brighter after the break with Sol Wheatley hitting a deep cross well held by Yate stopper, Harvey Rivers. Benham then had two great chances, first dribbling through but seeing his shot blocked and then should have finished off a run from Jordan Ricketts. Hannah bravely saved at the feet of Connor Jones.

Yate grabbed the lead on 85 minutes as a long ball fell to Aysa Corrick, who rode Hannah’s challenge – a tap into an empty net. Paulton levelled in added time after Ricketts’ corner on the right led to a scrabble in the box with Wheatley getting the final touch. Man of the Match: Josh Ford (Paulton Rovers).

The First Team were home to AFC Totton on Tuesday evening as The Journal went to press, see report at: www.mnrjournal.co.uk

This Saturday, 18th March, they are away to Slimbridge, kick-off at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, 21st March they are home to Barnstaple Town, 7.30 p.m. kick-off. The Youth team, currently top of the Somerset Floodlit League, are away on Wednesday, 15th March at Brislington, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. The Sunday XI are away to GT Sports, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.

Paulton Rovers’ Club President and former player, Lawrence Rogers, sadly passed away last week aged 92. The Rogers family have confirmed that everyone is welcome at Lar’s funeral, which will be on Wednesday, 22nd March at 12 noon at Paulton Parish Church then 1 p.m. at Haycombe in Bath. The wake will follow at Paulton Rovers and everyone is welcome.

Lar was one of the stalwarts and trustees of Paulton Rovers and for over fifty years, was one of the leading lights in changes, on and off the pitch, including starting the clubhouse development from being housed in a former RAF misson to the excellent facilities enjoyed by members today. The club extends its sympathy to his children, Les, (Club Finance Director and former player) and Mary, (former Committee Member and Youth Team Secretary) and their spouses, Rona and Chris, as well as his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

A minute’s silence was observed before Paulton Rovers’ home match on Saturday against Yate Town.

Tony Walsh