Paulton deservedly beat a Willand Rovers team who were currently at the top of this league. The Devon side had won their first three league games, scoring eight goals without reply.

Sporting neon green, Willand started confidently with old adversary Owen Howe reminding us of what a good player he is, powering an early shot over Sam Jepson’s crossbar following good approach play by defender Josh Searle. But Paulton had threatened first as experienced striker Kye Simpson’s effort also flew high and wide. The Willand keeper, George Burton, then had to hastily boot the ball away as Paulton forwards Joe Morgan and Simpson closed in.

For Paulton, midfielder Fin Haines was unlucky to hit the post after Burton had pushed another Simpson shot away. The Paulton striker had further efforts well saved and Morgan and winger Toby Stephens went close. Willand’s Ashton Hewitt saw two efforts go wide of the goal and Paulton’s goalie Jepson remained untroubled.

The game was evenly balanced as two strong defensive units managed to stifle some creative and entertaining attacking play. For Paulton Nick Hewlett, Jack Dancey, Dan Restorick and captain Neil Martin form a solid, reliable barrier. With Braedon Symes and David O’Hare providing excellent midfield cover, Willand found it difficult to create chances although Charlie Wright was unluckily to be caught offside as he threatened to score.

Paulton just held the edge in a goalless first half that saw defender Hewlett break away only to overplay his pass and the chance was lost.

The Devonians attacked from the start of the second half, but offside decisions and wayward crosses hindered their approach. When Simpson managed to dispossess a casual Willand defender and break into their penalty area, the home crowd were sure of a goal and were out of their seats. But they sat down again as indecision spoiled the chance. Paulton continued to attack and Morgan, Simpson, Stephens and O’Hare were interlinking well. Restorick’s long throws and a succession of corners and free kicks from Symes caused problems for Willand’s excellent back line.

The searing pace and trickery of Jemar South-Thomas, on as a substitute for Toby Stephens, caused some panic among the luminous green defenders and Paulton gained momentum. Willand managed to keep the ball away from Thomas until the 79th minute when a deflected cross from him was hooked joyfully into the net by David O’Hare from the edge of the area. It was a skilful strike by O’Hare, who managed to keep the ball down and fire it past a despairing Burton, to give Paulton a deserved lead.

Willand tried to respond but the Paulton defence was resilient and denied their forwards any clear opportunities. Howe was booked for a poor challenge on Neil Martin.

Paulton, to their credit, did not sit back but continued to attack. Substitute Martin Lenihan was prominent in Paulton’s forward play. He was unlucky as he contributed to two fine flowing moves by firing just wide.