PAULTON Rovers are up to second in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League following a 1-0 away win over Wellington - thanks to a 75th minute penalty by Joel Smedley.

The opening minutes of the game set the tone for what was to come as both teams played a cagey game.

Eventually, Rovers upped the pace a little and forced three corners in a row in the 7th minute but the Wellington defence stood firm. Wellington themselves went close soon afterwards. A last ditch tackle was enough to put the striker off and he skewed his shot wide. The rest of the half played out in a similar vein.

Paulton made several substitutions at half time introducing Elliot Haffenden whom had come on to great effect at Brislington. Suddenly the Rovers game became more dynamic and Haffenden was in twice early in the half. The first shot was a rasping drive which the keeper had to dive to meet. The second was a close in effort with the keeper diving at the strikers feet to claim the ball.

In the 62nd minute, Martin Lenihan launched in a cross that Dean Griffiths got his head to but the ball went over the bar. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when a ball into the box caused issues. The ball bounced up with Haffenden looking to claim it, but a high boot into his face brought howls for a penalty which was duly given. Smedley stepped up and made no mistake.

Rovers were able to see out the rest of the half looking the more likely to score. In the 85th minute, Chris Peck curled in a shot that hit the crossbar and Smedley hit the post from the rebound!

Rovers came away with a fourth league win in a row and the fifth game without conceding.

Jon Green