Rovers dominated the early stages with Captain, Dan Cleverley, dropping into the centre of defence and marshalling 'The Foresters' target man, Lewis Sommers. The home side had several chances with Brandon Barnes, Josh Jeffries and Nick McCootie missing opportunities. A sweet move of linking passes between Mike Perrott, Ollie Price and McCootie nearly saw Barnes open Paulton's account.
Kieran Thomas was proving lively for the visitors and Kyle Phillips saved twice for Rovers. Player Coach, Josh Jeffries, was having an inspirational game in Paulton's midfield and twice he tested Cinders' keeper, Alex Harris, who then saved his third shot between his legs.
Rovers went ahead on 43 minutes when Lacey won a corner and Barnes' left-footed ball in from the right was handled by Andy Lewis. McCootie tucked away the resultant penalty against his former side to make it 1–0.
Josh Klein-Davies, who had had a quiet first half, was lively from the off and started the move that led to Rovers going 2–0 up after 48 minutes. He found Lacey, whose deep cross from the right was met by Perrott, who outjumped Harris to head home.
Cinderford tried to bounce back and Thomas had a shot blocked by Mike Reaney shortly before Paulton made it 3–0 in the 61st minute. Jeffries laid the ball to Barnes, who cut in from the left and found McCootie, who took the ball to the by-line and cut it back for Klein-Davies to rifle the ball past Harris.
Both sides pressed as chances went begging at both ends. Cinderford pulled a goal back when the giant Sommers controlled the ball neatly and slipped it in to Thomas to drive his shot across Phillips and into the net.
Jeffries was using his vast experience to control the midfield and Rovers' back four were cutting out any danger posed by the opposition. Ben Lacey was looking threatening up the right wing at every opportunity and the home side were dominating for the majority of the remainder, although Lloyd George, Sommers and Thomas kept Phillips on his toes up to the final whistle.
This Saturday, Paulton travel to Thatcham Town, kick-off at 3 p.m. The coach leaves the club at 11 a.m., calling at Tormarton at approximately 11.50 a.m. Supporters wishing to travel should add their names to the list in the clubhouse or ring Football Secretary, Chris Fenwick, on: 07760 377302 or Tony Walsh on: 01761 417983. As the last two away coaches have been full, it is essential to book.
This Tuesday, 5th November, Rovers play Shepton Mallet in the Second Round of the Somerset Premier Cup, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.