CINDERFORD TOWN 1 v 2 PAULTON ROVERS

(Above) Paulton man of the match Craig Allan

The excitement at the end of a thrilling cup win for Rovers was great for the players and manager Richard Fey as his side go into Monday's draw after beating Cinderford Town 2-1.

Rovers took the lead after only 5 minutes as Cameron Brown swung in a free kick in from the left which centre half Craig Allan clipped back into the six yard box for debutant Josh Ford to turn home much to the delight of the former Frome Town player.

On 14 minutes Cam Brown ran at the home defence laid thee ball to Jordan Ricketts who looked odds on to score only for home keeper Alex Harris to block with his foot.

The Foresters then had a neat move ending when Garyn Preen's pass found Lee Smith, but the prolific striker was ruled offside. Then Lorcan Sheehan drove narrowly over the bar from 25 yards.

Allan and Ford were forging a sound Rovers central defence marshalling Smith with captain Shayne Anson at right back and youngster Alex Grimshaw at left back threats down the flanks were soon snuffed out.

Allan played a ball out of defence into the path of Ben Bament and the striker deftly chipped over the keeper with the ball unfortunately hitting the face of the crossbar and bounce away.

Rovers lost the influential Anson to injury at half time with keeper Ben John taking the captain's armband against his former club.

Player coach Aaron Brown was showing what an asset he is, as his calmness, presence and skill brought a period when Paulton were on top.

Although Sheehan met a cross from George Lloyd with his header easily nestling into the arms of Rovers stopper Ben John.

Paulton nearly increased their lead on 68 minutes as Bament laid the ball back to Bristol Rovers loanee Dominic Thomas with the 19 year old bringing a fine save as Harris tipped the ball away for a corner..

The missed chances were compounded as Cinderford levelled after 71 minutes as Garyn Preen's free kick was firmly headed home by Josh Nelmes.

With Cinderford wasting several more chances Paulton brought on assistant manager Nathan Rudge and within a minute of his start on 81 minutes he met a right wing corner from Aaron Brown heading across goal for Bament to turn into the net for 2-1.

The Foresters threw everything at the Rovers defence who stood their ground with aplomb. The only real threat saw Ben pulled off a great save in the last 2 minutes Joe Donaghue to ensure his side go marching on.

Man of the match - Craig Allan (Paulton Rovers)

The draw for the Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round sees the winners of Aylesbury FC or Chesham United visit Winterfield Road on Saturday 26 September K-O 3-00 p.m. The two sides drew 0-0 on Saturday and the replay at Aylesbury is Tuesday (15 September) night K-O 7-45 p.m.