Rovers lost their five match winning streak, thanks to a bizarre only goal of the game played on a rock hard pitch.
Early exchanges saw Sol Wheatley test ‘The Millers’ in keeper, Stuart Hole, and the home side responded as Josh Thomas fired wide. Paulton skipper, Josh Ford, hit a long ball out to Mario Mateus and he cut in with a shot aiming for the far post, only to see the ball sail wide. Wheatley then hit over the bar from distance as his side ended the half strongly.
After the restart, Dan James crossed for Thomas, but Rovers’ stopper, Andrew Hannah, kept him at bay. Ford again found Mateus, who tried to chip the keeper from distance.
On 61 minutes North Leigh scored. George Seacole broke and slipped the ball to Michael Hopkins, who miskicked his first attempt and as the ball fell kindly he miskicked again, wrong footing Hannah, and the ball trickled into the net.
Wheatley tried a high lob which Hole punched out. Rovers brought on Jordan Ricketts, recovering from injury and his first task was a free kick that Hole tipped over for a corner.
As Rovers pressed for the equaliser, Seacole broke his first shot, which was parried away by Hannah and his follow-up hit the post and was cleared.
Thursday’s 1–0 win over promotion rivals, Bitton, saw Rovers’ U-18s promoted to the Premier Division of the Somerset Floodlight Youth league as Champions of the North Division. Next Thursday they play their final game of the season, when Keynsham Town will be the visitors (7.30 p.m. kick-off). The trophy will be presented by League Chairman, Les Jordan and Secretary, Richard Sloane.
The team are looking for shirt, track suit and warm-up kit sponsors for next season. Anyone who would like to take up this opportunity and to discuss options in more detail should contact Wayne Gay on: 07975 652240.
Paulton Rovers played their last home match on Easter Monday against Bridgwater Town.
Their final game of the season on Saturday sees them travel to play-off contenders, Tiverton Town, kick-off at 3 p.m. The coach will leave the club at 11 a.m. and supporters wishing to travel should add their names to the list in the clubhouse.
The Sunday XI are away to Odd Down this weekend, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.
Tony Walsh