The Foresters started brightly and Paulton were lucky to escape when Joe Haswell missed his kick in front of goal. But Rovers gradually asserted themselves as Dan Dempsey and Martin Lenihan began to control the midfield and strong running from Dan Cottle and Kyle Tooze unsettled the Cinderford defence.

After 9 minutes and from a Tooze cross, Cottle’s shot was deflected over the bar. From the resulting corner, taken by Nuno Felix, captain Neil Martin headed in to give Rovers the lead.

25 minutes had been played when, following a seemingly innocuous challenge, Dan Cottle suffered a serious injury which stopped play for 18 minutes. When play resumed, Cottle’s substitute Ed Butcher benefitted from some fine play by Tooze by firing firmly past Cinderford goalie Ellis Parker to make it 2-0.

However, after 30 minutes, Cinderford’s best player, Harry Emmett, crossed the ball for Ben Brooks to bundle over the line to reduce the arears.

After 38 minutes, Rovers went 3-1 up as Paulo Borges scored his first goal for Paulton, side footing home from a right wing cross. The first half ended with Paulton well on top.

The second half saw Cinderford trying hard to get back in the game, but Mike Ilea and Chris Peck dealt comfortably with any threat. Martin made one outstanding challenge to deny Emmett while Ed Butcher fired a free kick agonisingly wide.

68 minutes had been played when Butcher, receiving and turning in one move, scored the goal of the game as he struck the ball beautifully from 25 yards over and beyond Parker.

After 78 minutes, following a defensive mistake, Emmett scored again for Cinderford, giving Rovers goalkeeper Aaron Sainsbury no chance.

Ed Butcher scored his third and Paulton’s fifth as he steered the ball low and decisively into the net after terrific right wing play from substitute Leo Eglin.

This was an entertaining match, with both sides showing attacking intent. Paulton gave a well -balanced display - a largely solid defence, a creative midfield and enterprising forward play.

We all wish Dan Cottle a speedy recovery.

Paulton man of the match: Ed Butcher – a fine hat trick

THANKS TO MATCH SPONSOR
The Somerset Toiletry Company of Clutton, with fantastic reasonably priced toiletry, body care and fragrance products..

Check out the excellent Soap Bar Café

On Thursday 1st September, the Under 18s have a cup match away at Tuffley Rovers, ko 7.30pm

On Saturday 3rd September, Paulton are on the Wembley trail, playing away at Royal Wootton Bassett Town (ko 3pm)