ST NEOTS TOWN 1 v 1 PAULTON ROVERS

Match photos available courtesy of Claire Howes

Paulton gained a deserved point after a long 4 hour trip to St Neots Town in Cambridgeshire.

Stricken with injuries manager Nick Bunyard gave a Southern League debut to 18 year old Writhlington Acadamy player Elliott Gibbons and was only able to name three substitutes on the bench. Dean Evans made his first start of the season returning from suspension.

Jay Davies broke down the right only for Rovers keeper Kyle Phillips to hold and send Jordan Walker down the left wing his accurate cross was headed away by Gavin Hoyte one of several giant defenders for St Neots..

Former Wycombe Wanderers player Matt Spring was 'The Saints midfield organiser, seeking to find his forwards with through balls. However these were cut out by the resilient Rovers back line.

Gibbons worked hard to make a tirelessly to gain his sides breakthrough and give support to Nick McCootie who was a real thorn to the home defence.

Town were a awarded a penalty on 39 minutes after Phillips was it seemed harshly adjudged to have brought down Ben Farrell and Drew Roberts converted the spot kick to make it 1-0.

At half time St Neots took off a Ford and replaced it with a Ferrari. That was Ben Ford substituted by Lorenzo Ferrari who certainly injected pace. They dominated early spells in the second half and Ferrari,s speed was causing problems for Scott Brice and his men, but the home side wasted several chances.

Gibbons tested home keeper Nathan Abbey and McCootie was proving a threat as Paulton sought.to level.

Ferrari broke down the left and tried to chip the on rushing Phillips only for captain Brice to clear his lines.

Further problems for Rovers when Jordan Walker limped off injured to be replaced by Ryan Batten himself returning from injury.

Rovers gained the equaliser on 81 minutes. Ben Lacey found Gibbons whose pass to McCootie saw the big striker turn and be ceremoniously upended by Ben Farrell and he got up to thump home the resultant spot kick.

In the dying stages Rovers pushed for the victory with Lacey and Gibbons both hitting long shots blocked by the Saints back line.

Man of the match - Elliott Gibbons (Paulton Rovers)

Paulton Rovers: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey, Jordan Walker (sub Ryan Batten 68 minutes), Scott Brice (C), Ollie Knowles, Dean Evans, Keiran Baggs (Josh Jeffries 76 mins), Elliott Gibbons, Mike Bryant, Ben Lacey, Nick McCootie.

Unused Subs: Callum Hinder,