HEREFORD 2 v 1 PAULTON ROVERS

Paulton looked set for a point against league leaders Hereford losing out to a controversial decision.

They had to sustain early pressure with Rovers central defenders Josh Ford and Joe Chandler immense all night.

Hereford took the lead on 15 minutes as Jake Sinclair turned and drove past Paulton keeper, Andrew Hannah. Shortly afterwards he limped off injured.

As Chandler and Ford headed numerous crosses away Rovers won a corner on the right on the half hour, taken by Kailan Gould and the ball fell to Elliott Gibbons who was tripped by Mike McGrath. Jordan Ricketts converted the resultant penalty easily beating Hereford keeper Mike Horsell.

Hereford came out positively in the second half as McGrath, Pablo Heysham and John Mills all tested Hannah.

Paulton responded as Hailston found Reeko Best who shot weakly then James Byrne cracked a shot, which was deflected for a corner,
 
On the hour Mike Symons fluffed two open goal chances and the influential Heysham had a shot blocked.

In added time Rovers looked to have secured a point when the referee controversially reversed a throw in decision as he accused Paulton left back, Conor O'Sullivan, of time wasting but he was not yellow carded. From the long throw by Ryan Green the ball fell to Mills to score.

Hereford were the better side but did not deserve the win in these circumstances.

Attendance 2033

Star man of the match: Josh Ford (Paulton Rovers)

Entertainment Value 3 out of 5

Rovers: Andrew Hannah, Elliot Keightley, Conor O’Sullivan, Joe Chandler, Josh Ford ( C ), James Byrne, Will Hailston, Elliott Gibbons, Reeko Best, Jordan Ricketts (Ryan Shaw 75 mins), Kailan Gould (Solomon Wheatley 69 mins). Subs not used: Ed Baldy, Nathan Legge and Alex Grimshaw.

Somerset Guardian comments from manager Tony Ricketts click HERE