The crowd of 408 saw Paulton take a seventh minute lead as Brad Abraham was fouled and Cam Shorney hit a superb dipping free kick past Melksham keeper Liam Kingston.

It was 2-0 to Rovers on 16 minutes as 17 year old Ali Sen picked up a loose ball and hit a cracking left footed drive pass Kingston.

Within two minutes Melksham pulled a goal back, direct from a left wing corner with his right foot the ball sailed across the goal area and in on the left hand post.

On 21 minutes it was 2-2 as another Ballinger corner was bundled in by Jack Ball.

Ballinger who had a spell in Paulton's promotion season was trying to dominate midfield and hit a shot over the bar. The response saw Ed Butcher through one on one with the keeper who cleared with his legs.

Melksham started the second half on fire as Balinger's shot was blocked then Liam Monelle saw his drive tipped over by Perry who was alert again to tip over this time from Ball.

Rovers went ahead on 61 minutes as Abraham chipped over the defence and Ben Bament volleyed into the net with a first time effort.

Five minutes later Bament ran on and as he rounded Kingston was brought down just outside the area with the keeper only receiving a yellow card.

Shorney was making an impressive debut as the Keynsham youngster looked confident after a spell playing in New Zealand.

He was involved in the build up to Rovers final goal in time added on, as he laid to Dave Sims-Burgess to lob over the top for Bament to sweep into the net.

A fine start for Paulton who are home to Thatcham Town on Saturday kick off 3-00 pm