Paulton manager Craig Loxton, following last week’s heavy defeat against their noisy neighbours, challenged his players to find a way of restoring some faith and confidence in their football.

Tavistock AFC, with last season’s league’s leading goal scorer Liam Prynn in their ranks, arrived at Winterfield Road with an average record of 8 points from 8 games.

From the outset, Paulton seemed to respond well, moving forward with purpose. The returning Kyle Tooze and winger Martin Lenihan were involved in some good passing moves showing attacking intent. Braedon Symes and Wayne Nderemani displayed skill and composure in midfield. Rovers were promising without being threatening.

But the Devon side gradually began to get a foothold in the game and Rovers’ captain Neil Martin was booked for an unfair challenge on Tallan Burns. Forward Joe O’Connor struck a free kick just wide of a post before Prynn, through on goal, saw his shot pushed aside by Rovers’ goalie Robert Brown.

Then, after Lenihan’s fine cross was narrowly missed by Tooze and Kye Simpson’s follow up shot was well saved by Aaron Dearing, the Lambs’ keeper, Tavistock went in front. In the 26th minute, Jacob Bowker stole the ball in midfield and set up Ed Harrison who fired decisively past a despairing Brown.

Paulton tried hard to get back into the game. Simpson’s close ball control won several corners, one of which was punched away by Dearing under severe pressure. Tooze was stopped by a last-ditch tackle and Nderemani’s cross just eluded Simpson. A frustrating half ended at 0-1.
The second half was more open as Dan Restorick was forced off with injury. But the Lambs continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession. This was largely due to their passing accuracy and movement off the ball but also to Paulton’s ill-judged and hurried clearances. Attempts to find the ‘killer pass’ too often handed possession straight back to the opponent.

Rovers did come close to an equaliser though, as Nderemani fired into the side netting after some great work by Tooze and then Simpson’s long - range shot bounced against a post. But Paulton were undone for a second time in the 65th minute, as a defensive mix up allowed Burns to stride away with the ball and shoot past Brown to double Tavistock’s advantage.

For a time, Paulton were given the runaround as Tavistock gained control of the match, creating further chances, but, largely due to the promptings of new signing Junathain Walker, Rovers managed to stem the tide and create opportunities of their own. Walker, strong, thoughtful and perceptive, looks a fine prospect. He managed to link play and get the team moving forward. A long range shot from him, though comfortably saved, was accurate and firm.

Tavistock, though, continued to press forward and Alex Battle showed great skill as his trickery and fierce shot forced Brown into a fine save. At the other end, Dearing saved well to deny Tooze a late goal, Simpson’s ball control got him into the visitors’ penalty area where he was crowded out and Nderemani saw a final attempt blocked.

Paulton have a fine defence and some talented attacking players and when play is more controlled and measured, their football becomes much more progressive.

Let’s hope for a more balanced display on Tuesday night, away at Cribbs!

Paulton man of the match: Junathain Walker – a fine first match at Winterfield.

• One for you armchair referees!

In the first half, Paulton’s Kye Simpson, moving into the opposition penalty area, is challenged by a Tavistock defender who goes down, injured. After a second, the referee blows his whistle to alert the trainer to rush on, suspecting a bad injury. The game is restarted with the referee handing the ball to the Tavistock keeper.
What should have happened?