Yet another game Paulton should have taken the points but ended up losing despite hitting the posts three times with nine shots on target to their opponents three.

A fourth minute corner won by captain Dale Evans was taken on the right by left footed Ben Prictor, swinging the ball in and clipping the top of the crossbar.

Evans then hit a firm shot held by Swans stopper Eric Edge. Evans was again involved with a pass to Joe Hillard who fired narrowly wide. The pressure continued with a Liam Monelle drive over the bar and Jack Ball, making his first start of the season after three months out injured, seeing his shot parried away by Edge.

Slimbridge first shot on target on 33 minutes saw Ewen Dunbar's effort turned away by Paulton keeper Rob Brown. With half time imminent Ball’s shot was turned away by Edge and Hillard following up could only hit the side netting.

It was more of the same early after the restart with Rovers debutant Charlie Hitchings heading wide from Prictor's corner. Myron Turner turned only for Brown to hold his volley.

Brown hit a long ball to Mitch Tippins and Paulton thought they had taken the lead only for the midfielder's cracking shot to hit the inside of the post and bounce away.

Then on 66 minutes disaster as Jamie Laird's back pass was mishit by Brown straight to Will Hawes to stroke into an empty net to give the hosts the lead.

Rovers pressed and man of the match Edge held shots from Jordan Lovibond and Ball. Hawes had a great chance to add to his tally firing wide from Jamie Msrtin's cross from the right.

In time added on, Brown made a superb one handed save from Liam Smith as Hawes laid the ball into his stride.

Rovers are back in action at Radstock Town in the 2nd round of the Somerset Premier Cup on Wednesday 14 November kick off 7-30 then on Saturday 17 November back to Evostik Southern League action when they play their only home game in November with Larkhall Athletic the visitors kick off is 3-00 p.m.