DORCHESTER TOWN 3 PAULTON ROVERS 4

Rovers put the disappointment of Wednesday’s defeat at Frome Town firmly behind them as they secured their first away win of the season in dramatic style at The Greene King Stadium against Dorchester Town.

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Manager, Nick Bunyard, was forced to make numerous changes with both central defenders, Jordy Nkunga and Omar Lindsay injured Ashley Williams once again dropped back to defence and Stuart Tovey and Clayton Green came in for the unavailable Ben Lacey and Jon Davies.

The visitors had an early warning of what was to come when in the 5th minute they lost possession just outside their opponent’s box and Town broke quickly as ex Rovers’ player, Dan Smith went past two defenders before sending a shot just inches wide of the post. Rovers’ first chance came on 18 minutes when Darren Jefferies was brought down as he attempted to go into the Dorchester box but Brandon Barnes’ kick also went just the wrong side of the goal.

The home side went ahead on 29 minutes as Williams under no real pressure scuffed his clearance only as far as Smith who gratefully collected and advanced before firing in a left foot shot that beat Rovers’ keeper, Kyle Phillips, low to his left.
The lead was doubled just 4 minutes later as Mason Walsh raced clear down the left and sent over a dangerous cross, which Sam Teale was forced to head over his own bar. The resultant corner was only partially cleared and that man Smith, some 10 or 12 yards out, volleyed home through a crowd of players and past Phillips.

Dorchester should have been out of sight at half time as 4 minutes from the break, Robbie Matthews’ header sent Smith away down the right and his cross picked out the unmarked Walsh at the far post, who sent his left foot volley back across goal and wide of the far post. After the interval it was Rovers who almost pulled a goal back immediately with a great move down the right. Scott Wilson and fellow striker, Dean Evans combined well before the former sent over a cross that Jefferies volleyed left footed and just wide of the far post.

Rovers then reduced the deficit on 54 minutes as a great ball from Green inside the Town defence allowed Jefferies to cross to Wilson and although his effort was blocked it fell nicely to Evans for an easy finish.

The revival lasted just 7 minutes as again the visitors’ defence gifted their opponents an opportunity. This time it was Tovey who headed his clearance straight to Walsh who collected, rounded the defender and tucked it away neatly past the advancing Phillips.

Rovers were then under pressure as first Phillips made a good save double save to deny Smith who then fired high and wide when released by another Matthews’ header.

Having weathered the storm Rovers got back into the game on 81 minutes and again it was Green with the decisive pass that picked out Evans and his header found Wilson who set up the chance for Evans to fire home.

Phillips had to make a fine save to deny Smith again and Walsh was guilty of another miss from a Smith cross this time missing his kick and seeing the ball bounce onto his hand for a free kick.

Like Rovers, Dorchester have conceded the lead too often this season and you could feel the tension both on and off the field as the clock ticked down. On 88 minutes the visitors won a corner from the right, which Brandon Barnes took and his kick to the near post was headed behind for a another corner. This one was slightly deeper and substitute, Jordan Walker, rose above everyone to head home.

Rovers could have been forgiven for then settling for a point but another substitute, Elliott Gibbons, played in Wilson and his shot was blocked for another right wing corner. This time Barnes’ kick found skipper, Scott Brice, at the far post and again he headed home to spark celebrations not seen since the play off final victory!

Teams:
Dorchester Town: Alan Walker-Harris, Ryan Murray, Matt Oldring, Jamie Gleeson, Nathan Walker (Capt), Chris Dillon, Andreas Robinson, Sam Lanahan (Jack Odam 89 mins), Robbie Matthews, Dan Smith, Mason Walsh. Subs not used –Oakley Hangar, Tony Rolls, Jason Brookes, Kieron Parrett.
Paulton Rovers: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey, Sam Teale, Ashley Williams, Scott Brice (Capt), Brandon Barnes, Clayton Green (Josh Jeffries 85 mins), Mike Bryant (Jordan Walker 76), Scott Wilson, Dean Evans, Darren Jefferies (Elliott Gibbons 67). Sub not used – Shayne Anson.

Referee: Sam Ogles Assistants: Micha Foght / Rudi Burton