Report by Simon Mogford
Paulton Rovers U18’s first home game in the Floodlight league was against a well-organised Winscombe team. Winscombe came into this game on the back of a 7-0 thumping and were up for it.
Paulton started the first half playing down the slope. There was some very neat passing around the back three, however, Rovers seemed to lack a little desire to push forward in the final third. Harvey and Alfie Dix linked up well down the right side, causing the away side to double up on Alfie on several occasions.
Rovers held onto possession very well and on the few occasions Winscombe attacked the home side’s goal, both the defence and goalkeeper were quick to respond. Dan Harrod had an opportunity on goal, however, decided to pass out wide instead of having a shot. As the half came to a close, there were no more chances.
The second half started with Winscombe coming out of the blocks raring to go and closing down the Rovers players, which in turn unsettled them and they couldn’t get into their passing game. With the introduction of Sam Davis into midfield, the game started to open up a little, with both defences making mistakes.
One error saw two Rovers defenders get tangled up and the Winscombe forward almost took advantage, which would have been against the run of play. However, this then turned into attack and Dix coming in off the right wing let fly with an unstoppable shot to put Rovers 1-0 up.
This lead was well deserved and Rovers were now getting into their stride, but still the passing was not quite crisp enough, on another night, Paulton’s youngsters might have been punished. Rovers’ next sub, Jordan Phillips, up front, was like a whirlwind unleashed on to the pitch who needed to calm down and position himself.
Winscombe were pressing for an equaliser, but found themselves up against a strong back three. This left the game open and with Rovers searching for goal number two to kill the game off. Up strode Phillips one-on-one with the keeper and he slotted the ball past him into the bottom right hand corner to make it 2-0.
On the balance of play, Paulton deserved to win, but were made to work hard for it by a determined Winsconbe team, whom themselves are new and learning.
This Rovers side have the potential to do well this season. Come along and support the U18s!