HITCHIN TOWN 2 v 0 PAULTON ROVERS

Paulton make the long mid week trip to tenth place Hitchin Town for a match rearranged from 3 October when Rovers coach was caught in probably the worse traffic jam anyone has experienced after an horrendous crash on the M4.

Paulton went into the game without captain Darren Mullings and lively winger Leon Jeanne both due to work committments not surprising for a four hour journey.

Rovers pressed from the start but Hitchin responded as Ben Walster's cross found Lucas Kirkpatrick who unmarked headed over.

On 12 minutes Sam Barker fastened on to a loose clearance mishit his first shot then fired a firm volley over the bar.

Jordan Ricketts who battled well for the visitor met the ball chested down from Josh Morgan-Willliams to drive over the top

Jack Allward did well to cut out another Walster cross neatly heading back to keeper Ben John.

Aaron Brown drove a shot from 30 yards out as Rovers tried to get some rhythem to their play.

Hitchin took the lead 6 minutes after the restart as Paulton cleared a corner it fell to full back Kane Smith and the youngster being sought after by Chystal Palace tried a shot from thirty yards which John tipped onto the cross bar and Brett Donnelly was first to react to give 'The canaries' a 1-0 leqad.

Rovers were struggling to create positive moves with Ricketts doing well in midfield.

On the hour tricky right winger Jonny McNamara swung a cross which was headed into the net by Town captain Alasan Ann.

Donnellly was on hand again from a McNamara cross looking certain to score centre half Josh Ford was thankfully on hand to clear off the line. Then the tall striker shot steaight at John.

Rovers only remaining chance was Brown's firm free kick sailing narrowly wide.

The only fact remaing was the lng ride home in the wee small hours.

Man of the match - Jordan Ricketts (Paulton Rovers)