Saturday's match saw a pulsating game, with a weakened Poole Town coming from behind to remain top of the league. With the home side leading 4–2, with sixteen minutes left, it was expected that they would see out the remaining time, however, this did not exactly go according to plan.
Rovers' keeper, Kyle Phillips, was fit to resume between the sticks, but full back, Adam Flint, failed a late fitness test to join long-term casualties, Dan Cleverley, Connor Clifford and Tom Seary on the sidelines.
Paulton took the lead on five minutes after Jon Davies' shot was deflected for a corner. It was taken on the right by Brandon Barnes and firmly headed home by Mike Bryant on the far post. Several long-range shots by Poole sailed high and wide before, on fifteen minutes, Kyle Phillips saved with his feet from Marvin Brooks. The rebound fell to Luke Burbidge, whose shot was blocked on the line by Stuart Tovey and fell into the keeper's hands.
Town had a period of pressure, but Rovers went two up on 25 minutes after Bryant gathered a loose ball and laid the ball to former Poole player, Davies, who hit a cracking low drive past Nick Hutchings and into the net. Three minutes later, Poole pulled a goal back. From a corner on the right, centre forward, Marvin Brooks, headed past Phillips. Rovers' immediate response was a low shot from Jordan Walker, which went narrowly wide.
In the 34th minute, it was 2–2 when Luke Burbidge broke into the box from the right and he laid the ball across the box for Brooks to tap home at the far post. Two minutes from half-time, Rovers went ahead when Barnes broke down the right side and found Davies, whose cross was headed home low by striker, Scott Wilson, to make it 3–2.
Paulton started the second period building momentum and it was no surprise when they went further ahead after 53 minutes, when Wilson evaded careful attention from visiting Captain, James Whisken, who broke forward and around keeper, Hutchings, slipping the ball to Davies to tap home to make it 4–2.
The Dolphins' crosses were snuffed out by Phillips and as league leaders, they played some slick football. Sixteen minutes from time, Poole made it 4–3 when substitute, Jack Maloney, on loan from Portsmouth, appeared to dive in the area. As confusion reigned, the ball fell to Burbidge to score past Phillips. Although Maloney was spoken to by the referee, no action was taken, with the player given the benefit of the doubt.
Phillips pulled off a series of saves, but on 78 minutes, Devlin levelled from the penalty spot after Ash Williams was adjudged by the Assistant Referee to have fouled Maloney and thus stopping a goalscoring opportunity. For this he was shown a red card.
With two minutes left, Poole got the winner after neat build-up play. The ball was laid into the path of Devlin, who shot home from twenty yards. This was rough justice for Paulton, who must learn to shut up shop at this level.
Team: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey (Josh Klein-Davies 77 minutes), Jordan Walker, Ashley Williams, Scott Brice (C), Brandon Barnes (Elliott Gibbons, 74), Mike Bryant, Scott Wilson, Jon Davies (Darren Jefferies, 84), Dean Evans. Subs not used: Callum Hinder, Josh Jeffries. Man of the Match: Kyle Phillips (Paulton Rovers).
Paulton were home to Hitchin Town on Tuesday, 28th October as The Journal went to press. On Saturday, they play in the First Round of the FA Trophy at Winterfield Road against Fleet Town, kick-off at 3 p.m. Next Tuesday, 4th November, Rovers entertain Western League side, Ashton and Backwell, in the First Round of the Somerset Premier Cup, kick-off at 7.30 p.m.
The Youth Team have a busy week planned. On Thursday night, 30th October, they are at home to Bristol Manor Farm and on Monday, 3rd November, are again at home to Yate Town, whilst travelling to Hengrove Athletic on Thursday, 6th November. All three matches kick-off at 7.30 p.m.This Sunday, the Sunday XI play at Farrington Albion in the Stan Milsom Cup, kick-off at 10.15 a.m.