BITTON 5 v 3 PAULTON ROVERS

Paulton trip to Bitton saw them go down in a hard fought game where squad rotation was a factor on this friendly pre season match.

Bitton had many ex Rovers players in their squad who have decided to drop down into the Western League.

Manager John Rendell got the tough game he was expecting and with a number of trailists he will no doubt be looking to trim his squad down to 17 or 19 players.

Paulton conceded in the 2nd minute from a free kick that floated past everyone into the net. Brad Norris levelled on 19 minutes latching onto a long cross field ball from skipper Josh Ford before calmly beating Ben John in the Bitton goal.

Two minutes later Tom Knighton's hand ball went unpunished and he laid off to Reeko Best to make it 2-1 to Bitton.

Sam Taylor equalised on 29 minutes after getting on the end of a lovely ball in from Ryan Radford.

Four minutes later Bitton were awarded a very harsh penalty decision but Knighton's spot kick was well saved by Rovers trialist stopper.

Paulton went ahead after 39 minutes as Norris's cross saw Asa Corrick drive low across goal for Joe Hilliard to turn home.

Changes in the second half led a downturn in Rovers performance and four minutes into the half Jordan Walker lobbed home to level. Bitton went on to strike twice late on to win 5-3.