Paulton arrived at Plain Ham, Larkhall in anticipation of getting a much needed win. Larkhall were penned back as Paulton attacked from the off.

Just two minutes had elapsed when David O’Hare’s free kick, from wide on the left, was headed past the Larks keeper Josey Casa Grande by Jack Dancey to put a jubilant Rovers one up. Nick Hewlett also had a shot which flashed just wide as Paulton fought for control of the game.

But Larkhall grew gradually into the match. Brad Norris, the Larks’ leading scorer shot over the bar and then was only thwarted by a terrific challenge from the hard working Dancey.

Then in the 27th minute, Paulton forward Joe Morgan showed good control, but shot wide of the post while soon after, Butcher’s skill took him past several home defenders only for him to also shoot wide when others might have been better placed to score. But Larkhall ended the half on top, with their playmaker, Wayne Nderemani exerting more influence on the game, as he shot just over the bar, before setting up Jack Camm who shot narrowly wide.

The second half began with Larkhall on the attack, but the Paulton defence stood firm. The game became increasingly stretched and tense.

In the 65th minute Dancey brought down Nderemani just outside the penalty area. Norris stepped up to rocket the ball into the top corner for an equaliser.

Butcher remains Paulton’s biggest threat and when play through the midfield was more composed, with Hewlett, Mike Ilea and Felix joining in, for a period of time Rovers looked a better team. But Tajudeen’s skill began to tell and in the third minute of injury time, his shot through a crowded penalty area beat an unsighted Sainsbury to give the Larks all three points

Paulton man of the match: Dan Restorick – strong and uncompromising on the ground and in the air. Next match: Wimborne Town First4Pools Stadium - 25th March 2023 KO 3pm.

REPORT: Noel Avis