Slimbridge 3 Paulton Rovers 3

Slimbridge grabbed a controversial late equaliser after being 3–0 down at half-time.

The hosts wasted two early chances with Marley Thomas hitting the side netting and bringing a save from Paulton keeper, Aaron Sainsbury.

Then Rovers had two fine moves involving Will Harvey and Lee Ibrahim resulting in corners.

On fourteen minutes, Ed Mbunga linked with Ben McLean bringing a fine save from Sainsbury.

Four minutes later, Paulton defender, Kyle Thomas, was harshly ruled to have brought down Mbunga in the box. Mbunga saw his penalty saved by Sainsbury low to his right.

Rovers broke and Anderson drove home a low shot after build up by Captain Neil Martin found Harvey and his cross was sweetly taken by Anderson.

Paulton made it 2–0 after 27 minutes as Ed Butcher’s fierce cross from the left was turned home by Leighton Thomas.

Three minutes later Thomas was on hand to grab his second as Alfie Clarke hit the post and the striker was on hand to drive the ball into the net with the help of the same PST.

Slimbridge came out more determined and on 49 minutes Mbunga broke away to volley past Sainsbury.

Butcher and Harvey both had half chances, but on 72 minutes ‘The Swans’ reduced the defect as Anderson was adjudged once again to have impeded Mbunga and this time Will Hawes converted from the spot kick.

Rovers were under pressure and Sainsbury saved from Hawes and then the bad side of fair play in football.

With a player down injured, Sainsbury played the out in the 84th minute. Slimbridge took the throw and instead of returning the ball to a Rovers player, it was thrown to Hawes, who ran on to score.

Player of the Match was Lee Ibrahim (Paulton Rovers) for his sheer hard work and endeavour throughout the game.

On Saturday, Paulton are away to Winchester City, kick-off at 3 pm. The coach will leave the club at 10.45 am.

Paulton Rovers Reserves travel to leaders Glastonbury Reserves, who played two more games and lead by three points. A real six pointer. Kick-off is 2 pm.

The U-18s play in the Roger Stone Cup on Thursday, 10th March. Kick-off at 7.30 pm.

The Ladies play on Sunday, 6th March, kick-off at 2 pm.

The Firsts are away at Frome Town, Reserves are away at Bishop Lydeard Reserves and Development Centre are home to

Burnham Utd Reserves.

Tony Walsh