Paulton Rovers overcame relegation-threatened Burnham last Saturday, winning in the final minute. This was the final time, at least for the foreseeable future, of Mike Bryant and Brandon Barnes playing, as they move next week to New Zealand to play for Auckland City and take up coaching jobs.
Paulton kept up their unbeaten run, but left it late, with the winner arriving against the run of play.
The team pressed from the start and Jon Davies sent Scott Wilson down the right wing and his cross was headed downwards by striker, Mitchell Page, only for home keeper, Alex Lynch, to tip the ball over the bar.
Page gave Rovers a seventeen minute lead, running onto Davies' pass to tuck into the net off a defender.
Paulton should have added to the score several times. First, Bryant gave himself room, but shot narrowly wide. Barnes saw his free kick zip over the bar. Then Wilson's low drive hit the base of the left post, rolling along the goal line before hitting the right post and spinning away to be cleared.
Burnham tried hard and Inih Effiong tested Rovers keeper, Kyle Phillips, and Adam Dickens drove wide.
Paulton made it 2–0 just on half-time. Keeper, Kyle Phillips' long clearance kick was picked up by Davies, who played a one-two with Page to curl the ball past Lynch.
Burnham were a different side in the second half and
Effiong pulled a goal back on 48 minutes, cutting in from the left to beat Phillips.
Rovers responded in the next minute, racing down the middle and his shot brought a save out of Lynch.
Burnham deservedly levelled on the hour, again through the giant striker, Effiong, who belted a cross from the right by Carl Davies into the net.
The game was slipping from Rovers' grasp and Manager, Nick Bunyard, brought on youngsters, Tyson Pollard and Liam Monelle, plus the experienced Jordan Walker.
The home side threatened but against the run of play, Paulton stole a winner. Stuart Tovey took a throw, Page headed and Bryant laid to young substitute, Monelle, with the eighteen-year-old Bristol City loanee chipping the ball home. Man of the Match: Jon Davies (Paulton Rovers).
This Saturday, 7th March, ninth-placed Rovers are at home to Chesham United, who are seventh in the league, so an exciting tussle is in prospect. Kick-off at 3 p.m. The Frome Town game at Winterfield Road originally planned for 3rd March will now be played on Tuesday, 14th April, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. On Saturday, 14th March, Paulton have an early start as they travel to Cambridge City, kick-off at 3 p.m. The coach is likely to depart the club at 9.30 a.m. Check the website for updates