PAULTON Rovers moved up to third in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League after beating leaders Clevedon Town 3-0 away in their latest match.

Rovers went into this top of the table clash on a high after winning four of their previous five league matches and scoring 26 goals in those five games.

This was going to be a tough proposition to try and turn over the league leaders on their home patch though. The opening minutes saw plenty of action for the midfielders as both teams tried to settle into the game. Chances were few and neither keeper was really tested.

In the 21st minute Clevedon appeared to be getting on top somewhat and were the first team to really put any consistent pressure on. However despite a freekick in a dangerous area and a couple of corners, again James Smallcombe wasn’t really tested as the defence soaked up the pressure.

A neat Paulton move opened the scoring on the half hour mark. Kyle Witt picked up the ball on the right and crossed to Kitan Jaiyeoba who brilliantly back-heeled the ball to Dan McBeam who was clear and made no mistake in beating James Dunn.

The goal spurred Rovers on as they regained the confidence that has been so much in evidence recently. The visitors looked to hustle more and looked the more likely to score again.

Late in the half, Harry Haughton had a shot from distance that ballooned over the bar before, in added time, another good Rovers move found the second goal. Kitan Jaiyeoba was again the source as he slipped through Kailan Gould to fire in.

Things were very positive at half time but Paulton were under no illusions that the second half would go the same way without the same work ethic. In fact, it was Rovers that started the half stronger again as they won two early corners. As the half progressed though, as expected Clevedon began to gain more possession but were unable to break down a very stubborn Rovers defence marshalled by Alex Hallett.

Rovers sealed the points in the 77th minute with a perfect counter attack. Substitute Wayne Nderemani played in Kailan Gould down the left and he was able to move into the box and square it to Kyle Witt to guide the ball in.

Naturally with a good lead, Rovers sat off a little and Clevedon upped the pressure again looking to get back into the game. But bar another couple of shots from distance, the home couldn’t create a clear cut chance. Rovers saw the game out comfortably to take the three points.

This victory enabled Paulton to move up to third in the table, six points behind Clevedon with both sides having played the same number of games. Torpoint Athletic, who beat Heltston Athletic 5-0 at home, are lying second, only one point behind Clevedon with two games in hand.

Meanwhile, Paulton are home to lowly Wellington in a league match this coming Saturday (3p.m.).

They then face four games away starting with the Les Phillips Cup on 17 January when they travel to the winners of Helston Athletic or Ivybridge Town who have yet to play their tie.

The following Saturday it’s a trip to Helston in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League.

Jon Green