Games between the Somerset rivals are usually feisty affairs with Taunton Town setting their stall out in the first minute when left back, Steve Kingdon, was booked for a late tackle on Nick McCootie.
Yellow cards were to dominate proceedings with Rob Norrish getting the second after ten minutes interdispersed with occasional football while Rovers tried to put a flowing game together.
Ben Lacey and Saul Williams combined to send McCootie goalwards, only for Taunton centre half, Ben Mammola, to stamp out any danger.
Rovers left back, Sam Teale, was doing some stout defending and tightly marking home right winger, Jamie Short.
Kyle Philips twice easily held shots from Simon Ingram and Chris Young, whilst Paulton tested 'Peacock's' keeper, Joe Perry, as the first half petered out.
Town opened lively in the second half with captain, Jamie Price, delivering a long cross seeking Ingram, but Stuart Tovey intercepted and laid the ball back to Phillips. Short tried a shot which bobbled and went wide.
On 49 minutes, Taunton were awarded a very soft penalty as McCootie, back defending, only seem to tussle for the ball with Ingram. Ingram placed his penalty low to Phillips' right and was superbly saved by Paulton keeper.
That spurred Rovers into a series of attacks led by captain, Dan Cleverley, and Brandon Barnes. Then on 62 minutes, Rovers were awarded an equally soft spot kick. Williams turned and hit a shot, which hit the arm of Owen Irish at very close range. The referee thought long and hard before pointing to the spot.
Mike Perrott stepped up to drive his penalty firmly past Perry to give Rovers the lead.
That lead lasted three minutes as Ryan Bath, on for McCootie, fouled Young. Ingram's free kick was headed home by Kingdon to level matters.
Paulton kept attacking, seeking the winner with Josh Klein-Davies on for Wiliams hitting the cross bar and both Scott Brice and Marcus Mapstone heading wide from set pieces.
With fifteen minutes left, Paulton won a corner on the left with Barnes about to take it, a melee broke out in the goal mouth. Punches appeared to have been traded and words by home players that would have been subject to arrest if said in the street.
After consultation with his assistants, the referee showed a red card to Klein-Davies and at that stage punished no Taunton player. With Paulton's management team protesting at what was said, assistant manager, Paul Milsom, was sent to the stand.
However, as the yellow cards flowed for the home side they amassed six, resulting in a hefty fine by the FA. Even then, there was time for Norrish to receive his second one, then a red to be dismissed from the field.
The youth team are away next Wednesday, 12th March with a local derby against Welton Rovers at West Clews kick off 7.30 p.m.
Tony Walsh