At the start of the game a minute’s silence was held in tribute to the memory of Jade Randell. Her father, Paddy, has a long- standing involvement with Paulton Rovers as a player, manager, referee and as a supporter. He has our deepest condolences.

Paulton were looking to put an end to an indifferent run of results that has seen them begin to look down the table rather than up. Wimborne Town, relegated into this league, find themselves well established in the playoff places. They arrived at Winterfield Road also keen to stop a run of poor results.

Rovers took the game to Town in the opening exchanges, and Dave O’Hare fired over the bar. But it wasn’t long before Wimborne, encouraged by their all pink and very loud goalkeeper, Shane Murphy, began to assume control. In contrast, Aaron Sainsbury, in drab grey, Paulton’s less loud but excellent goalie, was forced to make fine stops from Ben Satterley and then to leave his area for another trademark headed clearance.

In Kaya Tshaka, the Magpies have a talented playmaker and it was he who, from midfield, was able to play his forwards, Jez Bedford, Lewis Beale and Daniel Bartlett into threatening positions. Neil Martin, Nick Hewlett, Nuno Felix and Joe Paradise were fully stretched to keep them at bay. Martin Lenihan, back from injury, lent his valuable support. Sainsbury made good saves from Bartlett’s snap shot while he was relieved to see Asa Phillips hit the foot of the post with a fine, low effort. At times the defending was desperate.

But when Rovers managed to relieve the pressure, Dan McBeam worked his way into a good position but just failed to hit the target, while Joe Morgan was unable to take advantage of Hewlett’s fine downward header. When Ed Butcher, Rovers main threat, ran virtually the whole length of the field, only to be unceremoniously brought down, the referee chose not to punish the offender.

Towards the end of the first half, Paulton managed to gain more control of the ball. More supportive and constructive play saw Morgan, Lenihan and Will Hailston make some inroads, but offside decisions or loose passes let them down.
It was not a surprise when, after 40 minutes Wimborne took the lead. Tshaka again set up Bedford to curl a wonderful strike high and beyond Sainsbury’s despairing dive. It was a fine goal.

But then in the second minute of first half injury time, Hailston’s cross was headed towards goal by Hewlett, up from defence. Murphy was unable to keep the ball out and Rovers were back in it.

The second half was much more even, and Paulton showed renewed confidence. But Wimborne’s Bartlett, on a mazy run, left three Rovers defenders on their backs before shooting for goal. Sainsbury made a stunning save to defy him. Phillips could only spoon the rebound over the bar.

Then in the 56th minute. Paulton were reduced to ten as Dan McBeam retaliated to having his ankles taken away and was dismissed.
As so often happens, Paulton responded well and gave as good as they got. Martin, leading by example, rallied his troops and Paulton raised their game. Butcher, more on the ball, was repeatedly fouled. The referee gave out numerous bookings for seemingly harmless challenges as the game swung from end to end. Sainsbury had to make important saves from Wimborne’s lively forwards.

Overall, Wimborne will consider themselves unlucky to return home with just a point, but Paulton rose well to the challenge of being a man down and despite being under the cosh for long periods, deserved something from the game.

Man of the Match: Aaron Sainsbury – a calm and confident display in the art of goalkeeping