On Saturday, 3rd August, Paulton Rovers played Worcester City, losing 1–2.
Rovers travelled to Stanley Park, Chippenham, to play Conference North side, Worcester, as Winterfield Road was hosting the Paulton Community Games and Fun Day.
Paulton started brightly on an immaculate pitch and Josh Klein-Davies opened the scoring for Paulton in the fourth minute with a solo effort as he stroked the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Three minutes later, an underhit back pass by Dean Evans allowed Worcester striker, Aaron Williams, to fasten onto the ball and slot the ball past Rovers keeper, Lewis Pierre, for the equaliser. City went ahead in the eighteenth minute when giant centre back, Richard Mindey, rose above the Paulton defence to head home a corner from Captain, Tom Thorley.
Worcester then dominated for large spells of the half, but rarely tested Pierre. Paulton brought on triallist keeper, Adam Collington, but he was rarely tested as Rovers sought to level matters. Chances fell to substitutes, Josh Jeffries and Joe Vyner, both shooting over the bar and Brandon Barnes was unlucky his jinking run and shot flashed narrowly wide.
However, despite the second-half pressure, Paulton could not secure the goals they deserved as they had the majority of play against a well-organised City side. You can listen to this match on Somer Valley FM by heading to the website: http://www.somervalleyfm.co.uk">www.somervalleyfm.co.uk and clicking Listen Again.
The remaining Rovers friendly is this Saturday, 10th August, home to Dorchester Town, with kick-off at 3 p.m. This match is in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Charity Foundation.
Paulton start the Calor Southern League Division One South and West season on Saturday, 17th August with a trip to Surrey to play Godalming Town.
Paulton Rovers have a new Football Secretary, Chris Fenwick. Although Chris lives in Westbury, his family are from Paulton and he works in Shepton Mallet. Chris was previously Secretary of Toolstation Western League, Warminster Town. He takes over from stalwart, Andy Harris. Everyone associated with Paulton Rovers thanks Andy for his long and dedicated service.
The Youth Team took part in the Hengrove Tournament on Sunday, 4th August.They came top of Group B, drawing 1–1 with Mangotsfield United. This was followed by a further draw against Bristol Manor Farm, with Dan Cottle equalising for Rovers. In the final pool game, Paulton beat Brislington 2–1, thanks to goals from Nathan Beauchamp and Cook.
Despite having the majority of the play and the chances, the team went down 1–0 to Ashton Backwell in the semi- final. On Tuesday, 13th August, the Youth Team are home to Interhound FC, kicking-off at 7 p.m. Their final planned friendly is Sunday, 18th August, at home to Bristol Rovers Youth at 2 p.m.
The Paulton Community Day, held at the Paulton Rovers ground, raised funds for Paulton Hospital. Despite the showery weather, a healthy crowd attended. In the evening, local band, Parfonon, entertained in the Francis Suite.
Tony Walsh