PAULTON ROVERS 1 v 2 FROME TOWN

All the thrills and spills of a local derby were on display in Rovers penultimate pre season friendly.

Frome started the livelier although Omar Simpson nearly got on the end of a through ball from Dave Sims for the home side. The move was cut out by neat anticipation from Kyle Phillips.

Jon Davies half volleyed over, then Chas Hemmings headed over the bar and Joe Raines fired wide as the visitors pressed.

Kieran Hodges who had a lengthy loan period at Rovers last season having been released by Bristol Rovers made a superb diving save from Raines.

Frome took the lead on 36 minutes as Davies's right wing corner was met with a looping volley by Joe Jackson the ball clipping the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the net.

Paulton had much the better of the restart and on 56 minutes Simpson found right winger Dave Sims. He accelerated past his marker and drove a low shot across Phillips and in at the left of the goal to make it 1-1.

Joe Hillard nearly put Rovers ahead as his deep cross sailed over the bar from deep on the right.

Frome were awarded a disputed free kick 25 yards out. Davies's one of six former Rovers players in the visiting line up, drove the ball into the corner of the net giving Hodges no chance to put Town ahead.

In the final minute Rovers nearly levelled as good built up play saw Joe Guest's firm low drive touch onto the post by Phillips and cleared away.