Paulton ran out 2–0 winners over a Bristol City Academy side, managed by former Rovers defender, Alex Ball, in front of a crowd of around 300 on Wednesday, 25th July.
Rovers had the majority of early possession with Nick McCootie causing the youngsters problems. However, it was not until the 23rd minute that Paulton dominance led to the opening goal. Brandon Barnes raced down the left wing, crossed and Ben Lacey, cutting from the right, controlled the ball before finding the net past City's Jojo Wallacott.
After the goal, City's silky passing skills came to the fore and outstanding for the future was Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, with a roaming midfield holding role. He twice set-up striker, Marley Bishop, who could have scored with each opportunity. McCootie nearly added a second, but his curling shot hit the foot of the post and was cleared.
Rob Brown, in Paulton's goal, held firm and the youngster looks a great prospect for the future. Rovers made several changes at half-time and made it 2–0 when left back, Mike Reaney, played the ball down the line to McCootie who shook off his marker, raced goalwards and stroked the ball around Wallacott and into the net.
The City's youngster, had a number of chances to pull a goal back when Bishop curled the ball around Phillips, only to see the ball rebound off the post. A long pass from impressive defender, Jack Batten, found Tyson Pollard, but his shot fizzed across the Paulton goal and wide.
Rovers hit back when a deep cross by Barnes was nodded wide by Ollie Price and a neat interchange between Dean Evans and Josh Klein-Davies nearly added to the home team scoresheet.
In the dying minute, Klein-Davies raced clear with only Wallacott to beat, but surprisingly, missed the target.
The game was broadcast by Somer Valley FM 97.5 live online with match commentator and sports producer, Ian Nockolds. To listen to the commentary, log on to http://www.somervalleyfm.co.uk">www.somervalleyfm.co.uk and click listen again.
Tony Walsh