The penultimate game of the season saw Paulton Rovers Reserves visit local rivals Cam Valley Reserves in what would be a feisty encounter.

Only a win would keep Rovers in the hunt for the league title.

With the first half under way, it was Paulton who put the home side under pressure from the off, with efforts coming from Tyler Lane and Harrison Rogers. It didn’t take long for Rovers to take the lead, when Lane turned in Aaron Whittock’s cross at the far post. Ten minutes later, Whittock doubled the lead when he latched on to an Harrison Rogers cross from the right hand side.

Cam Valley regathered themselves and pulled a goal back through winger, Ben Curtis. Paulton then dashed the home team’s efforts when they restored their two goal lead, Whittock notching his second of the game.

Rio Bryant grabbed Cam Valley’s second, drilling his shot past Paulton’s Andrei Catalin. However, with five minutes left of the half, Rover’s Whittock completed his hat trick, his effort beating Cam Valley’s Adrian Curtis.

The second half was all about possession for Paulton Reserves and they dented the home side’s hopes when they converted their fifth of the match when Aaron Whittock played in Harrison Rogers and he finished well to fire past Valley’s Curtis.

With the ball being kept at the back by Paulton, Cam Valley grew frustrated, temper’s started to rise. This gave Rover’s the chance to make it six and that they did.

Vaughan Taylor played in Rogers, whose cross found Whittock who netted his fourth of the game. With only a couple minutes left on the clock, Paulton were reduced to 10 men when Harvey Rogers was dismissed for kicking out at Cam Valley’s Tom Slocombe.

Man of the match was Aaron Whittock.

With one game remaining, Paulton Rovers Reserve’s hopes of the title hang in the balance. If Glastonbury Reserves drop points at home to Shepton Mallet Reserves and Paulton win their final game, they will become champions. A very exciting finish to the season. Darren Whitfield

Paulton Reserves play their last Mid Somerset league game of the season on Saturday, 14th May when they face Somer Valley Reserves at Writhlington Sports Centre kick-off 2 p.m.

Rovers only two defeats were to Glastonbury and being penalised by a two points deduction for a player that was not re-registered after playing youth football.

So, even if they win on Saturday, Paulton will miss out by three points. The irony is they have a better goal difference then the eventual champions. Tony Walsh