WIMBORNE TOWN 1 PAULTON ROVERS 1

Rovers were forced to share the points as a superb long range effort from Jamie Davidson ended Rovers’ remarkable run of clean sheets in the league. It was no more than the hosts deserved as they were much improved from the side that conceded seven at Winterfield Road a few weeks ago.

Rovers began strongly and Jamie Taylor twice went close with flicked headers from good crosses courtesy of Stuart Tovey and Craig Loxton. Town’s first chance came in the 8th minute was Scott Brice was penalised for a foul and Alex Parson’s free kick found George Webb but his touch went wide. Davidson then sent a volley wide but at the other end Rovers went close when Josh Jeffries headed wide at the far post and appeals for a penalty when a home defender appeared to handle the ball were turned down. Then Taylor went close with a shot before in the 24th minute the visitors went ahead.

A clearance from defence saw Taylor out jump the two Wimborne central defenders and his headed flick sent James Billing clear and he slotted home to record his first goal in Rovers’ colours.

Max Cream went close for the hosts, shooting across keeper, Kyle Phillips, but wide of the far post, after he charged down a Jack Allward clearance and Davidson sent a volley wide before the break.

Rovers were the better side in the first half but Town responded well after the interval and Parsons went close shortly after the restart although Ben Lacey did well to create a chance for Loxton before a defender got in a good block. Taylor caused the home defence problems all afternoon and on 63 minutes he charged down an attempted clearance and crossed for Jeffries who headed straight at the keeper before sending in a long range effort that was comfortably saved. Town almost levelled in the 67th minute when Phillips called for a ball but failed to make contact and Parson’s overhead kick was headed off the line by skipper, Brice and he made a great challenge minutes later when Tom Jeffes looked to be through on goal.

Town eventually got the equaliser their overall play deserved in the 77th minute when Davidson unleashed a spectacular 35 yard effort that swerved in flight past Phillips and into the far top corner of the net.

Rovers were unlucky not to restore their lead with 10 minutes left as from a corner the ball was headed back across goal to Loxton but his shot from a narrow angle thumped off the underside of the bar and was scrambled clear.

Rovers were reduced to 10 men with 8 minutes left when Nick Dunn received a straight red card for violent conduct. Phillips made a great save a minute later to deny Parsons a winner and in the end a draw proved a fair result.

Rovers: Phillips, Tovey, Allward, Dunn, Mapstone, Brice (C), Jeffries, Loxton, Taylor, Billing (Mahdi 71 mins), Lacey.
Subs not used: Price, Bridges.

Referee: Maurice Taylor
Assts: Mark Yeats / Lee Cunningham

Attendance: 196