Paulton Rovers learnt the hard way that dominating play is nothing if they are unable to hit the back of the net. As a result, the Slimbridge ‘Swans’ took their chances and also the points in last Saturday’s match.
After an early flurry by the visitors, Slimbridge centre forward, Jamie Martin, missed an open goal after Rovers’ keeper, George Burton, mis-kicked his clearance.
It was 1–0 after 32 minutes, as Marley Thomas broke down the right and slipped the ball to Martin, who unselfishly laid off to Captain, Lee Smith, to fire past Burton. Paulton nearly levelled five minutes later, as Matt Long’s cross from the left was headed against the crossbar by Josh Ford.
Rovers had the benefit of a stiff wind in the second half and Matt Benham had a great early chance, breaking through and his shot hit keeper, Marcus Beauchamp and the Newport County loanee saved at point blank range.
Another chance on 57 minutes saw Benham’s corner headed back across goal by Ford, met by a header from Reeko Best, which went narrowly over the bar. The response from the hosts saw Smith’s run down the left resulting in a corner taken by Thomas and a wide volley from Joe Stokes. On 71 minutes, it was 2–0 as the lively Thomas, who had trials at Paulton last season, passed through to Smith, who made no mistake.
Rovers had several half chances, but the only realistic chance was from Ryan Radford, returning after injury, on as substitute, as he saw his shot go just wide.
The First team were due to play Barnstaple Town at home on Tuesday night as The Journal went to press (see: www.mnrjournal.co.uk for match report) and on Saturday they are away to Swindon Supermarine, kick-off at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, 28th March they are home to Bideford, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.
The Youth team won 3–1 at Brislington last week and now lead the Somerset Floodlit Youth League Division One North by five points. Their next game is at home next Thursday, 30th March to nearest rivals, Odd Down, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. The Sunday XI lost 4–3 last Sunday, 19th March to GT Sports and this weekend are home to league leaders, Kingsmead, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.
Tony Walsh