Another disappointing game from Paulton Rovers leaves the side and its management questioning a poor season.
A lively start from both teams gave Josh Morgan Williams a chance to score with a volley that went just wide. He then had a volley tipped over the bar. Both sides were cancelling each other, with the referee booking players for seemingly petty offences.
Didcot took the lead just on the stroke of half-time, with Callum McNish taking the ball from Marlow Ayswayo, slotting past seventeen-year-old debutant, Adam Forster. Rovers defended well in the second half, and on the break, Liam Monelle and Joe Hillard both had chances, sailing narrowly over the bar.
The plus was that five of the Paulton side are teenagers, with eighteen-year-old Jordan Lovibond making his first Southern League start and performing well.
‘The Railwaymen’ took their other two goals within five minutes of each other in the last eight minutes, with Felipe Barcelos racing away down the left, and shooting home. Then, in the final minutes, substitute, Sam Barder, broke down the wing as Forster tried to deflect the ball, only for it to crawl into the net.
The score flattered ‘Diddy’, who secured their place in the play-offs with a trip on Wednesday to face Wimborne Town. Friday, 4th May sees the club’s Presentation Night, starting at 7.30 p.m. All supporters are very welcome.
Paulton finish off the season with the Somerset Cup Final against Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday, 8th May to be played at Frome Town’s ground; kick-off 7.45 p.m.
Tony Walsh