Paulton will regret not taking their chances in this Buildbase FA Trophy tie, where they dominated large parts of the game.
Jay Malpas brought a fine save from former-Rovers keeper, Ben John, whilst his opposite number in the Paulton goal, Rob Brown, was out to stop Troy Simpson charging towards goal. Dean Stamp’s through ball then found Owen Howe, whose shot was well-wide of the target.
Malpas then set up Joe Hillard, but the Rovers midfielder volleyed wide. Malpas then got on the end of Dale Evans’ cross, hitting the crossbar after a deflection, going out for a corner. On 35 minutes, Farm took the lead, beating the Paulton office trap and slotting the ball past Brown.
Rovers should have levelled on 53 minutes with a move started by left-back Ben Prictor, which found Ben Withey, who then laid the ball back to Ryan Gay, whose on-target shot was deflected for a corner.
On 67 minutes, a long-ball-seeking Howe saw Brown race out of goal, and the ball was handled outside the area. It was debatable whether it was a deliberate hand-ball, however, the referee deemed so and Brown was shown a red card. Winger, Aysa Corrick, went in goal, and his first task was to save confidently from Stamp’s firm free-kick.
Rovers saw Withey drive a shot across goal, then sub, Josh Morgan Williams, lobbed over, as did Malpas as Paulton piled on the pressure. In added-time, Man of the Match, John, again was alive to keep Manor Farm’s victory from the visitors, grabbing a deserved replay. For Rovers, it was not to be, so good luck to the Farm in the next round.
Rovers are at home on Saturday, 20th October to Barnstaple Town; kick-off 3 p.m. Next Saturday, 27th October, Rovers currently have no football fixture, but may try to rearrange a League match. On that night, from 7 p.m. onwards, Winterfield Road hosts the annual Fireworks Spectacular event.
Tony Walsh