PAULTON ROVERS LADIES 2 v 1 FRAMPTON RANGERS
PAULTON WIN SOMERSET WOMENS JUNIOR CUP
Report by Tony Walsh

A cracking game in front of a healthy crowd at Brislington FC saw Paulton Rovers Ladies overcome Frampton Rangers with an extra time winner.

Rovers captain and keeper Emily Jones came out swiftly to snuff out an attack by Ruby Michael. That defending continued with a timely tackle from Jordan Box. Then Jones saved from Chloe Timbrell.

After that initial 10 minutes, it was Paulton that began to dominate as Eleri Webber's free kick saw striker Enya Wilkinson hit the side netting from a tight angle. Then Alish Stuart fired in a volley from 20 yards bringing a fine save from Frampton stopper Louise Collier.

There was great defending by the very calm Adele Rogers at the heart of the Paulton defence.

On half time, Rangers had a good chance as captain Kirsten Prior shot wide.

With the pouring rain at the start of the second half, Rovers pressed whilst Rogers broke up an opponents attack and started a move
ending with winger Martha Slocombe hitting the post.

Jones was called upon to deal with a drive from Ellie Michael, but then on 74 minutes, Rovers’ large number of supporters were downhearted when low shot from distance by Clara Grimstead, skidded along the surface and deceived Jones to give Frampton the lead.

Paulton picked themselves up with encouragement from manager Nick Doble and his coaching staff. They launched attack after attack and were rewarded on 84 minutes as Rangers poor clearance fell to Tiana Allen who from fully 35 yards hit a pile driver past the despairing Collier to level.

So extra time and with Rovers in the ascendancy, they were rewarded in the 92nd minute; a right wing Slocombe corner was pounced on by Alice Dwyer who controlled and cooly turned the ball into the Rangers net.

Minutes later Dwyer narrowly volleyed wide and in the second period Alice Ford shot across goal and Slocombe's drive was blocked.

Paulton brought on the experienced Sam Bollema, still trying to regain full fitness, and combined with the player of the match Rogers at the centre of the defence they dealt with Timbrell and the robust Ellie Michael.

There was great excitement at the final whistle as Emily Jones received the trophy with her delighted team mates and Nick Doble and his backroom team.

Although at nearly 10-30 p.m. I am sure there was some 'liquid' celebration in the dressing room!! Thanks to Brislington for their hospitality and Jon Pike and his Somerset FA team for their efficient organisation.

After nearly 20 years as Paulton Rovers Media and Press Officer I am standing down. What pleases me, is the development of the club, particularly the success of the Ladies team. Paulton Rovers is one club for all.

Tony Walsh