PAULTON ROVERS 1 v 2 BRISTOL CITY

Paulton were eventually outdone by a skilful Bristol City U21’s development squad. Rovers produced a series of good chances before going behind after 15 minutes.

The game was Paulton’s first home game of the season two weeks before they make their Southern League Premier début at home to Cirencester Town on 9 August and then unusually home again on Tuesday 12 April v Truro City.

A superbly struck free kick from Connor Evans planted in the top left hand corner of the net giving trialist keeper Connor Thompson no chance.

Paulton had several chances with Elliott Gibbons one and one with keeper Max O'Leary shooting weakly. Then Brandon Barnes fired over the bar and Dean Evans bringing a great from O'Leary.

Rovers levelled on 15 minutes after Josh Klein-Davies neatly set up Barnes whose chip was parried by O'Leary for Gibbons to tap home.

Paulton should have been three up but for an outstanding display from the young Bristol stopper.

City midfielder Joe McNulty tried a speculative forty yard chip seeing Thompson out of his goal only to see the ball sail over.

The tricky Elijah Chilekwa was outpacing the Rovers defence. City went ahead after 69 minutes when Jack Alexander on trial from Liverpool swung over a deep cross for the talented George Dowling to sweep home.

Try as they might O'Leary kept the home side at bay to seal the win.

Star Man Max O'Leary (Bristol City)
Rovers Man of the Match Jon Davies

Entertainment Value 4 out of 5

Paulton Rovers are away on Thursday to Bristol Manor Farm K-O 7-30 pm and at home next Saturday to Welsh Premier league side Port Talbot Town note K-O is 2-00 pm for this game.