CHIPPENHAM TOWN 1 v 1 PAULTON ROVERS

Rovers gained a point at high flying Chippenham Town in a battling encounter in front of a bank holiday crowd approaching 400.

Both sides missing a number of players through suspensions and injuries , started brightly and promised to be end to end stuff.

James Guthrie had the first shot without troubling Paulton keeper Kyle Phillips. Then after 9 minutes Ashley Williams burst through for Rovers only for young 'Bluebird' defender Tyron Leigh to win the ball.

Former Bath City player Darren Edwards laid the ball to former Rovers player Luke Ballenger, whose attempt to chip the ball over Phillips and sail over the bar.

On 20 minutes the home side had a great chance to score. Edwards raced onto a ball as Paulton captain Scott Brice slipped on the sodden surface set up Ballenger who could not beat Phillips.

Moments later Ben Lacey interchanged with Nick McCootie and hit a defence splitting pass which was just out of Mike Bryant's reach.

McCoote put Paulton in front after 25 minutes. Stuart Tovey played the ball over the Chippenham defence and McCootie held off the defence to easily shoot past home keeper Kent Kauppinen to make it 1-0.

It really was end to end and Edwards hit a deep cross over Phillips which evaded everyone. Then Williams broke on the right and his centre cum shot landed on the roof of the net with Kauppinen beaten.

On the stroke of half time Guthrie hit a firm half volley superbly tipped over the cross bar by Philllips.

The excitment continued in the second half as Town embarked on a series of attacks. Phillips saved at the feet of Edwards, then sub Pete Monks saw his cross cut out by the Paulton keeper.

Chippenham equalised after 55 minutes following a series of corners. Edwards had a shot cleared off the line by Brice, but Jon Beedon following in thumped the ball home.

Rovers when on attack determined to regain that lead. Jordan Walker crossed from the left and caused panic in the home defence leading to a series of corners. Brandon Barnes hit a swerving drive from twenty five yards brilliant tipped away by Kauppinen.

Edwards had a goal disallowed on the hour. He chased a long ball which Phillips fumbled and put the ball in the net. However the referee ruled it to be a reckless challenge. A minute later Phillips saved from Guthrie.

Walker was having an impressive game for Rovers defending well and breaking down the left, he has the added bonus of being two footed.

Drama struck on 69 minutes Barnes sent McCootie goal wards out pacing the home defence, but the striker was fouled by Leigh and stopping a goal scoring opportunity, he was sent off after being shown a red card.

The 10 men battled and defended well as McCootie gave Walker a chance but his shot was too high and Barnes tested Kauppinen. Guthrie, Edwards and Ballenger threatening the Rovers defence.

Mike Perrott on as sub for Paulton was involved in a clash of heads with Bryan Smith who had to be substituted for further treatment. The baying home crowd shouting for a red card resulted in the referee giving him a caution.

All in all a cracking match with honours even.

Paulton man of the match Jordan Walker
Chippenham & sponsors MOM Darren Edwards

Entertainment Value 4 out of 5

Paulton Rovers: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey, Jordan Walker, Tom Seary, Scott Brice (C), Brandon Barnes, Ollie Knowles (sub Mike Perrott 70 minutes), Ashley Williams, Mike Bryant, Ben Lacey, Nick McCootie.

Unused Subs: Elliott Gibbons, Josh Jeffries , Callum Hinder, Keiran Baggs,