PAULTON ROVERS 1 BRIDGWATER TOWN 4

For the third game running Rovers surrendered the lead enabling their visitors, Bridgwater Town, the opportunity to record their first points of the campaign.

It all began so well for the home side as they scored in the opening minute as Dan Cleverley sent a pass wide to the left which was headed on by Ben Lacey for Dave Stone to race clear and fire home from just inside the box.

The hosts were in complete control during the opening period as Sean Seavill and Jack Allward had shots off target and then in the 18th minute the visiting keeper, Luke Purnell, pulled off a good save from a Seavill shot from a narrow angle. Rovers spurned a great chance to double their lead a minute later as Stuart Tovey’s cross from the right found Josh Jeffries beyond the far post and his header back saw Craig Loxton volley high over the bar. Bridgwater’s first effort on game came in the 22nd minute and they were unlucky not to equalise as Jon Vance’s shot struck the foot of the post.

Rovers looked to be in control of the game with the pace of Ben Lacey causing some anxious moments in the Town defence, none more so than in the 28th minute when he slipped a ball through to Stone, but Purnell dived bravely at his feet to claim the ball.

Somewhat against the run of play the visitors drew level in the 34th minute with a superb passing move down the left wing which ended with Dave Pearse touching home a cross from Steve Fitzgerald.

Rovers had a chance to re-establish their lead just before the interval and again Lacey was the provider but his cross from the right saw Loxton shoot weakly straight at the keeper.

If the first half belonged to the home side the second definitely belonged to Bridgwater and they took a 53rd minute lead after great work wide on the right by Vance who twisted and turned to make space before crossing to the near post where Tim Legg headed home.

Just 4 minutes later and Vance almost extended the lead latching onto a great through ball from Joe McClennan but Seavill got in a great tackle. Phillips almost got into trouble minutes later as his clearance from wide outside his box fell to Kye Thomas but his long effort saw Phillips recover in time to make the catch.

However in the 63rd minute Town earned some breathing space as McClennan struck a 25 yard volley that Phillips could only touch into the roof of the net.

The game was effectively over in the 78th minute as Vance picked out Thomas and his pass inside Tovey saw Fitzgerald fire the ball across Phillips and in of the far post.

Rovers never threatened to get back in it apart from a long range effort from substitute, Aaron Cornwall, which Purnell saved and with the final action of the game Town substitute Craig Veal had a chance to add a 5th but fired high and wide.

Rovers: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey, Jack Allward, Marcus Mapstone, Scott Brice, Josh Jeffries (Ryan Gay 71 mins), Craig Loxton, Sean Seavill (Aaron Cornwall 80 mins), Dave Stone, Dan Cleverley (C), Ben Lacey

Rovers’ Star Man: Ben Lacey

Referee: Simon Wales
Assts: Peter Mawhood / Nigel Sykes

Attendance: 146