PAULTON ROVERS 2 CLEVEDON TOWN 3

Clevedon deservedly claimed revenge for their Bank Holiday Monday defeat at the same venue as for the first 85 minutes of this game they looked to be comfortably progressing to the next round but a superb individual goal left them with an anxious last few minutes.

The visitors posted a warning in the 7th minute as the impressive; Cameron Ricketts went past three static Rovers’ defenders but saw his shot cannon off the legs of home keeper, Kyle Phillips. It was fully 20 minutes before Rovers mounted an attack worthy of the name as Steve Bridges shot was blocked by a defender and Dan Cleverley’s follow up effort was easily saved.

It was no surprise when the visitors went ahead in the 25th minute as a defensive mistake allowed Ricketts to race clear and his cross from the right provided Josh Klein-Davies with an easy tap in.

It could have been worse for Rovers before half time as Reeko Best headed over from a Jordan Walker cross and further sloppy defending allowed Ricketts to clear again but his shot came back off the inside of the far post and was scrambled to safety. Then Best was unfortunate not to add to his side’s lead as he got on the end of a cross from Ashley Kington but the ball fell nicely for Phillips.

Rovers did start the second period brightly, Jamie Taylor having a goal bound shot blocked by a defender and they forced a succession of corners without ever looking threatening.

The game looked to have been settled in the 54th minute as Town doubled their lead, Ricketts again being the provider, as this time his cross stood up nicely for Lloyd Mills to volley home from near the penalty spot.

Rovers’ double substitution which saw, Ben Lacey and Adam Mahdi introduced, produced an improved showing as Lacey’s run and cross from the right set up Craig Loxton but again the Town defence got in a goal saving block. Mahdi then set up Cleverley for a shot that was well saved. Rovers had an appeal for a penalty rejected on 78 minutes as Lacey went down under a challenge.

Lacey did gave the home side hope 5 minutes from the end when, after a good pass from Rovers’ final substitute Chris Lewis, he went on a great solo run that took him past three defenders before slipping the ball past the keeper and into the net.

Rovers pressed for an equaliser that would earn a replay and with a minute remaining Mahdi had a shot strike the post but it was the visitors who held out and deservedly progress to the next round.

Rovers: Phillips, Price, Allward, Dunn, Mapstone, Brice, Jeffries (Lacey 55mins), Loxton, Taylor (Lewis 62 mins), D Cleverley (C), Bridges (Mahdi 55 mins).
Subs not used: Tovey, Osman.

Referee: Mark Russell
Assts: Rob Cockle / Craig Scriven

Attendance: 161