CINDERFORD TOWN 3 PAULTON ROVERS 1

Rovers’ league campaign started disastrously with a defeat at The Causeway that saw two players dismissed.

After an even opening the home side gradually got on top and Dave Bird tested Rovers’ keeper, Kyle Phillips, with a 25 yard free kick after Scott Brice was adjudged to have committed a foul. The home side continued to press and should have been ahead in the 14th minute as the impressive, Lee Smith, set up Lewis Sommers, but with only Phillips to beat he fluffed his kick allowing the keeper to make a comfortable save.

For all of Town’s neat passing move the deadlock was broken by a simple long ball over the Rovers’ defence, that saw them appeal in vain for offside, as Sommers made amends by firing home from just inside the box.

Lee Smith then nearly produced another goal for the hosts as first he sent over a great cross that just went over the head of Matt Barnes, before finding Sommers on the edge of the box who turned and fired in a fierce right footed effort that Phillips did well to get down to and push the ball away with his left hand.

Rovers’ relief was short lived as the home side doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute as a great run from midfield by skipper, Geraint Bater, saw the former Mangotsfield United player slip a ball into Lee Smith who curled the ball into the far bottom corner.

It served to spark Rovers into life and Dan Cleverley was unlucky not to reduce the arrears with a fine header, from a right wing Kris Miller corner, that was well saved by home keeper, Ben John. Miller, a former Cinderford player, was then brought down just outside the area and his free kick deflected off the wall to bring John into action once more. With two minutes of the half remaining James Billing (Rovers) and Andy Lewis (Town) were involved in an aerial challenge and after consultation with his assistant the referee showed the Rovers’ player a straight red card for using an elbow.

The second half began with Lee Smith going down in the penalty area under a challenge from Stuart Tovey but the referee waived play on and in the 57th and against the odds Rovers’ reduced the arrears.

It was another ex Cinderford player, Nick McCootie, on as a second half substitute, who produced a corner when his shot his was blocked and Miller’s subsequent corner from the left went beyond the far post where Scott Brice was on hand to force the ball home.

It began to look as though the visitors might grab at least a point as John was forced to push aside a Craig Loxton free kick and Miller went close with a rasping drive. Town responded and Phillips was forced into a fine save from Barnes and Lee Smith, beyond the far post, sent a header wide. Rovers were still threatening and Loxton’s great ball saw Miller race through only to just be beaten to the ball by John. However their chances effectively ended in the 78th minute when Miller received a second yellow card for a trip.

It took the home side just two minutes to punish the indiscipline with a third and killer goal as the ball was played wide to the left where full back, Matt Smith, fired a 30 yard, left footed shot, across Phillips and into the bottom far corner of the net.

Rovers did still manage to create a chance as Ben Lacey went on a great run and although his shot was blocked, it dropped to McCootie, whose curling effort with the left foot went just wide of the post.

However it would have produced a flattering score line as on the day the home side, courtesy of a particularly strong midfield, richly deserved the three points.

Rovers: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey, Jack Allward (Dave Stone 72 mins), Marcus Mapstone, Scott Brice, Josh Jeffries (Nick McCootie 45 mins), Craig Loxton (Sean Seavill 84 mins), Ben Lacey, James Billing, Dan Cleverley (C), Kris Miller.
Subs not used: James Vincent, Dan Cottle.

Star Man: Lee Smith (Cinderford)

Rovers'Man of the Match: Dan Cleverley

Referee: Adam Bayliss
Assts: Kevin Howick / Oliver Denne

Attendance: 174