(Above) Match sponsors AVON TRAILER TOWBAR CENTRE directors Adrian Burge and David Smith with manager John Randell (left) and Commercial Officer Malcolm Powney

Paulton edged a tough tackling Moneyfields team on a hot afternoon.

Moneyfields had already had one penalty appeal turned down when Lamin Jetta was tripped by Rovers defender Craig Allan in the 3rd minute. Steve Hutchings scored comfortably from the penalty.

Rovers then missed chances through Joe Hillard and Ed Butcher and in the 17th minute good work by Ali Sen on the left teed up Butcher who fired wide.

The visitors then had a spell in control as Paulton defended too deeply, leaving spaces in midfield. Sen, though, had a shot saved by Moneyfields keeper Jake Hallett and then provided a cross for a goal that was disallowed for offside. As half time approached Ben Bament fired high and wide despite better options on either flank. At the other end Rovers stopper Joe Perry pulled off a fine save from Ryan Pennery.

The early part of the second half was scrappy with neither side able to dominate. As a result, Paulton made several tactical changes with Butcher now operating on the left and Withey on the right. Paulton’s attacks became more dangerous now and they levelled the scores in the 65th minute when Ben Withey wrestled the ball from three defenders to set up Butcher who fired in a fierce cross shot under the diving Hallett.

Paulton began to control the game and went ahead just two minutes later as Butcher was brought down and Bament struck a firm, low penalty past Hallett.

Bament then hit the crossbar after he cleverly beat the Moneyfields offside trap. He was proving a real problem for the visiting defence.

Cam Shorney began to run the midfield and created a number of further chances for Bament and Butcher. Butcher it was who fired in a cracking shot from 25 yards which, with a slight deflection, nestled in the top corner to make it 3-1 after 80 minutes.

Substitutes Ryan Gay and Jake Sloggett both tested Hallett as Rovers sought a fourth goal for Rovers, but it was Moneyfields who grabbed a late consolation goal with a long distance snap shot from substitute Matthew Brown that Joe Perry got a hand to.
Paulton’s display, particularly in the second half, was well worthy of the 3-2 result.

Entertainment Value 4 out of 5

Sponsors Avon Trailer Towbar Centre of Westfield presented the Thatchers Reserve Cider star man of match Cam Shorney (Paulton Rovers)