Shepton, managed by former Paulton hero, Andy Jones, started brightly in this friendly, with Lewis Redwood heading wide and then Rovers keeper, Kyle Phillips, saving from his former colleague, James Billing.

Paulton pressed and Keiran Baggs was causing problems down the right, forcing Liam Watson to concede a corner and Mike Bryant heading wide. He then intercepted a crossfield ball, sending Jon Davies racing towards goal, but his delicate chip was held by home keeper, Adam Garlick.

Rovers' goal threat was rewarded on the half-hour. Olly Knowles won the ball in the middle of the park and set up Baggs, who threaded through to Brandon Barnes to tuck the ball into the net to make it 1–0.

Dave Stone and Martin Lenihan had chances and twice, full back, Stuart Tovey, was on hand to preserve the visitors' lead. Paulton were producing some neat, fast, flowing football, with Knowles, Elliott Gibbons, Bryant and Barnes nearly finding Davies and then Gibbons shot weakly with the goal at his mercy.

Both sides made numerous second-half changes and Shepton were creating chances through Jamie Vincent and Dean Loxton. Ben Cleverley was setting up some chances and spraying sweet passes to give Shepton the upper hand, bringing a superb tip over the bar.

Paulton made it 2–0 on 65 minutes after Barnes' low shot was saved by Garlick's feet. The ball fell to Bryant on the edge of the box to thump the ball low into the net.

With cameo appearances in Shepton shirts for Mark Harrington, Rob Claridge and Kevin Pressley, all former team-mates of Lee Bryant, whose testimonial this was, there was a healthy ex-Paulton presence on the pitch!

Ten minutes from time, Knowles hit a thumping thirty-yard drive to make it 3–0 and in the dying minutes, Rovers added a fourth after Callum Hinder set up Evans to seal the night. A large crowd to support 'Yosser' made it a night to celebrate for both sides.

With two pre-season friendlies remaining, this Thursday will see kick-off at Bristol Manor Farm, at 7.30 p.m., and Saturday, 2nd August with an earlier than usual kick-off time of 2 p.m., at home to Welsh Premier League outfit, Port Talbot Town. Paulton Rovers have prepared well as they look forward to a historical first season in the Southern League Premier.

Rovers Chairman, Dave Bissex, said work has been undertaken to highlight the ground facilities and the pitch, superbly cared by Rob Filer and his sons Chris, Mike and John, is looking in excellent condition. New goalposts and top-of-the-range nets have been installed.

Bissex expressed his desire that the community in Paulton and the wider community get behind the club by coming along to boost attendances. Andy Harris has resumed as Football Secretary, with his predecessor, Chris Fenwick, taking on a marketing role.

On the pitch, Manager, Nick Bunyard, his Assistant, Paul Milsom, and Player Coach, Josh Jeffries, have worked hard on skill and fitness levels. Unfortunately, Captain Dan Cleverley looks as if he will miss much of the season, his eleventh at the club, as a training injury is much worse than feared. A consultant has diagnosed he will need an operation on his cruciate ligament.

Prolific striker, Nick McCootie, broke his forearm and has been unable to play so far, but he has trained and hopes to be given the all clear in the next few weeks. That has given chances to several youngsters, although Bunyard is still on the look-out for a proven striker at this level, as Josh Klein-Davies is suspended for the first four games.

The Chairman also reflected on the vast amount of goodwill the club has received from former players, local celebrities and dignitaries, many football clubs, both locally and former opponents. His pride of place has been congratulations and good wishes from Norwich City Chief Executive, David McInally, and particularly from top TV chef, Delia Smith.