BRISTOL MANOR FARM 3 v 1 PAULTON ROVERS

Rovers lost 3-1 at high flying Bristol Manor Farm despite going in 1-1 at half time defending a stiff wind in an even first half.

After Josh Morgan-Williams run down the right wing set up James Byrne who saw his shot blocked by Jamie Turner it was the home side who responded to take a fourth minute lead as Troy Simpson cut in from the right to shot across Rovers stopper Andy Hannah into the far left hand corner of the net.

Both sides pressed but after 26 minutes Paulton lost Joe Guest through injury and the recently re-signed Radstock resident Omar Simpson whose first act was to set up Morgan-Williams his shot was blocked by Turner and spin out for a right wing corner. Taken by Dale Evans captain Josh Ford up from the back was nudged by Turner and the referee pointed to the penalty kick. Byrne levelled from the spot on 34 minutes.

Good defending by Farm's Lloyd Mills kept Rovers at bay then Ford headed over from an Evans free kick. As as the break nearer Kyle Holly brought a save from Hannah.

Had Paulton hoped to gain advantage of the wind behind them it was a second half that saw the Bristol side take the initiative.

On 54 minutes hestiancy in the defence saw Hannah haul back Matt Groves and Holly turned home the penalty. Four minutes later it was 3-1 as Jordan Metters threaded a pass through to Troy Simpson unmarked on the left to fire past Hannah.

Omar Simpson twice got around the back of the Farm rearguard to no avail and then on 77 minutes Hannah raced out to prevent striker Dean Stamp and handled the ball just outside the area and although it did not look a deliberate action the referee showed a straight red card. Sub Josh Cann went in goal and did a commendable job.

One note of optimism was another brief cameo appearance of youth team and development side 16 years old Lewis Bond- Kendall who came on for Byrne.

Star man of the match Troy Simpson (BMF)