PAULTON ROVERS 0 WIMBORNE TOWN 3

Rovers slumped to successive defeats in a game that followed the all too familiar pattern of an encouraging start, a defensive error to concede the first goal which then led to further goals as they pushed, unsuccessfuly for an equaliser.

The home side had an early claim for a penalty turned down as Josh Jeffries went down in the box but nothing was given and although the ball fell nicely to Ben Lacey his shot was deflected wide. Craig Loxton had a long range effort easily saved, James Billing just failed to reach a Charlie Rich cross from the left and skipper, Dan Cleverley, sent a near post header from a corner just wide as Rovers dominated the early exchanges.

Wimborne’s first chance came on 9 minutes as the keeper’s clearance was neatly touched on by Tom Jeffes to Jamie Davidson but his curling right foot effort went wide of the far post. The same two players combined well moments later and only a quick reaction from home keeper, Kyle Phillips, prevented Davidson from being clean through. Rovers went close to scoring on 33 minutes after Billing was fouled some 30 yards out in a central position but Rich saw his curling left footed free kick well saved by David Elm in the Town goal diving low to his right. Loxton had another long range effort easily saved and Davidson failed to hit the target with a header and then just as it seemed the half would end goalless Wimborne grabbed the initiative.

With virtually the last kick of the half Wimborne’s Micky Hubbard swung over a corner from the right, which was powerfully headed home by the seemingly unmarked, Jon Blake.

The second half began quietly with neither side really threatening until the 65th minute when a Town move down the right ended with a cross into the box and although the initial shot was blocked the ball fell nicely in front of George Webb who fired home to double the lead.

Rovers responded well and the hard working Billing did well to set up a chance for substitute, Kris Miller, but his shot was deflected over the bar and Lacey went on a fine run before laying the ball into the path of Loxton who was well off target with the shot. The same players combined in the 70th minute but this time Loxton was unfortunate to see his effort blocked by a defender. Billing then had a shot well saved while at the other end Phillips did well to tip over a cross come shot from Kevin Gill. Miller then spurned a chance to reduce the arrears as Rich crossed from the left and Billing’s challenge produced an opportunity for a volley, but it soared over the bar.

With 3 minutes of added time played the visitors struck again with a move down the left, which saw substitute, Matt Kemble cross to Webb and although Phillips managed to block the first shot Webb was able to round the keeper and slot home.

Rovers: Kyle Phillips, Stuart Tovey, Charlie Rich, Marcus Mapstone, Dan Cleverley (C), Josh Jeffries, Craig Loxton (Ben Osman 75 mins), Lee Collier (James Vincent 65 mins) , James Billing, Ben Lacey, Steve Bridges (Kris Miller 59 mins).
Subs not used: Stuart Pearson, Lee Davidson.

Referee: Stephen Finch

Assts: Damien Pelka / Glen Barter

Attendance: 128