PAULTON ROVERS 4 v 0 TIVERTON TOWN

On the face of it 4-0 was a resounding result given that 'Tivvy' had 60% of the play. However it was Rovers cut and thrust performance that netted the goals and not the 'pretty' trianglar football that the visitors largely played in two thirds of the pitch to rarely threaten Lewis Pierre and his Paulton defender.

Paulton made one change from Saturday's win at Godalming with James Billing coming in as striker for the unavailable Jake Harris.

Rovers had an early chance when Mike Reaney passed to James Billing down the left seem to be over hit, but Nick McCottie raced on to the ball and his attempt on goal was smoothered by visting keeper Jonathan Viscosi.

A good passing interchange between Dan Smith and former Exeter City captain Steve Tully saw the latter nearly got on the end of a neat run only for Reaney to block Tully's intended shot.

Tiverton Town were dominating the first 20 minutes of play with showing any outcome. They nearly came undone despite those efforts in the twentieth minute. McCootie was fouled on the left and Brandon Barnes floated free kick was misheaded by Billing and Scott Brice heade wide.

A minute later Tiverton Town centre forward Sam Malson was fouled by Brice. Malson took a powerful dipping free kick that was punched clear by Pierre.

On twenty five minutes Paulton took the lead against the run of play. Ben Lacey was fould on the right and Barnes swing in a free kick left footed which caused confusion in the Town defence and when the ball fell to Mike Perrott he made no mistake from close range.

Paulton defender's Stuart Tovey, Marcus Mapstone along with Brice and Reaney resolutely kept 'Tivvy' from having a clear cut shot.

This gave Rovers the inititive to have a period when they were on top with captain Dan Cleverley cleverly disecting the Tiverton Town defence finding McCootie whose strike hit the side netting.

It was 2-0 after thirty three minutes when Lacey cut in from the byline played a one two with McCootie and laid the ball in the path of Billing. His flick was partially saved by Viscosi only for the keeper to see the ball trickle over the goal line.

Paulton had much more possesion in the opening fifteen minutes of the second period with Cleverley having a shot blocked and Barnes attacking down the left should have done better with his cross.

Pierre was called upon to cut out a couple of crosses and assist his defence as 'Tivvy' threatened from a corner.

Midfielder Mike Perrott was playing a more advanced role and as Rovers kept better possesion of the ball adding to the score seemed increasingly likely.

So, it was after sixty nine minutes that Paulton made it 3-0. Lacey was fouled on the left and Dean Evans on for Barnes took a looping free kick that Brice headed on to Perrott who turned a slot home off the keeper's body.

McCootie and Billing were working hard to restrict Tiverton's play and create chances for themselves and their team. With fifteen minutes left they combined and cut the ball towards Billing, but in his exuperance Evans got to the ball first and blast the ball high over the bar with goal at his mercy.

Seven minutes later Lacey made it 4-0 with a thrilling run and dribble before shoting home from the edge of the box.

As result Paulton sit top of the Calor Southern League South & West Division One with fifth placed Swindon Supermarine at Winterfield Road on Saturday and a trip to third placed Shortwood United on Saturday someone will lose their current 100% record.

Manager Nick Bunyard although pleased realises there is room for improvement something no doubt to be discussed at Thursday training session at Writhlington.

Paulton Rovers - Lewis Pierre, Stuart Tovey, Mike Reaney, Marcus Mapstone, Scott Brice, Brandon Barnes (Dean Evans sub 63) , Mike Perrott, Ben Lacey, James Billing, Dan Cleverley, Nick McCootie (80 Josh Klein-Davies)J.

Subs not used : Ollie Price, Josh Jeffries, Dave Thompson

Ref- Ian Parsons

Match Sponsors - Malcolm Powney and Mike Ford man of the match Mike Perrott

Attendance 207

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