Mangotsfield, having lost their last four games and battling to stay in this division, started the game in bright sunshine. They were immediately under pressure as first Liban Ibrahim and then Leighton Thomas had shots well saved by Mango’s keeper, Radovanovic.

Skilful play from Thomas, playing wider on the right, created further chances for Jack Ball and Butcher, both of which went wide. From a corner, Alfie Clarke had a header well saved. In between though, the dangerous Nderemani blazed over the Rovers’ crossbar following a quick break.

The Paulton defence, with Dan Dempsey making important interceptions and Neil Martin playing with authority, kept the Mangotsfield forwards at bay. As the first half drew to a close, Rovers were on top. Thomas, showing great composure on the ball, twice went close with a header and then a fierce cross shot.

At the start of the second half, Paulton had a narrow escape, as great play from Nderemani created a chance for NeikellPlummer who somehow fired wide. But from there, Rovers enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure. In the 52nd minute, Ibrahim’s trickery and fine ball control took him into the penalty area and he struck the ball beyond the Mangotsfield keeper to give Rovers the lead. It was a great goal and deserved the wild celebrations.

Mangotsfield responded well and Aaron Sainsbury needed to make a rushed clearance from ex- Rovers player, Tyler Jackson, while Will Ashton fired over the bar.

Paulton substitute, Will Harvey, added more pace to the attack, helping to set up chances for Ibrahim and then Butcher, whose shot was well saved at the foot of a post by the vociferous Aussie keeper.

But after eighty four minutes some slack midfield play presented the ball to Mangotsfield’s Isaac Flynn, who strode forward and lashed a fine shot into the far corner of Sainsbury’s goal to make the score 1–1.

Rovers applied great pressure in the dying moments in an effort to secure all three points.

Harvey sent a shot over the bar, while Leighton Tuodolo, having made a great run into the penalty area, was brought down and a penalty awarded, only for the linesman’s raised flag to indicate an off-side offence in the build-up play. After consultation, the referee decided to award a free kick to Mangotsfield, much to the chagrin of the Paulton players.

Paulton Man of the Match: Liban Ibrahim – tireless running, pivotal in the team and a fine goal.

Noel Avis