LARKHALL ATHLETIC 3 PAULTON ROVERS 1
Paulton gave a Southern League debut to seventeen-year-old Youth Team player, Ali Sen, who was involved in several moves in the early stages.
Larkhall had an early shot saved by Rovers’ keeper, Adam Forster, and then on thirteen minutes, Yeovil loanee, Nev Nzembela, appeared to be pushed in the penalty area by a combination of home keeper, Shaun Semmens, and defender, Mike Baker; but the referee waived play on. Larks broke and Wayne Nderemani’s cross was chested down by Lewis Powell for Geraint Bater to drive the ball home.
The home defence were on top, with Baker and the outstanding Josh Jones cutting out attempts to set up the hard-working Nzembela. Twice from Ben Withey corners, Captain, Charlie Hitchings, headed to the side as Rovers attempted to level the scores.
However, on 53 minutes it was 2-0, as Bater’s left-wing corner was touched home by Baker from short-range. Despite the lead, Forster was rarely tested, and Paulton shots on-target were equally rare.
Larkhall increased the lead after 75 minutes, as Harry Hope broke down the right wing and cross for Powell to score. Rovers pulled a goal back from the penalty spot as Withey was tripped, and sub, Jack Ball, converted with Semmens guessing the right way.
In added time, Paulton were denied a clear-cut penalty as Baker tripped Nzembela, with the referee inextricably showing the youngster a yellow card indicating simulation.
This Saturday, 13th April, Paulton play their penultimate home game against Thatcham Town; kick-off 3 p.m. Tony Walsh