As the teams lined up, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Sarah Barwell, partner of Adrian ‘Slugger’ Curtis (kitman and maintenance) and Ken Chivers (long time club supporter).

Paulton shook off last week’s poor showing in Gloucestershire and managed to overcome a skilful Hamworthy side. The Dorset team narrowly missed out on promotion from this league last year, playing a brand of passing football that has gained many admirers.

On a misty, autumnal day, Paulton began well and Finlay Haines, a young and accomplished midfielder, was causing problems, gliding past opponents with skill and timing. In defence, Nick Hewlett made a wonderful last ditch tackle to deny a Hamworthy forward in full stride. Martin Lenihan, playing well on the right flank, got in a cross from which a determined Kye Simpson won a corner. From it, target man Joe Morgan headed just wide.

After just 15 minutes and somewhat surprisingly, Hamworthy took the lead. Their captain and playmaker, Sam Griffin, on a mazy run, was challenged by David Slade in the penalty area. The referee withstood the protests and awarded a penalty. William Fletcher’s fierce spot kick gave Sam Jepson, the Paulton goalie, no chance.

This gave the Hammers momentum. They proceeded to dominate the first half, confidently moving forward with accurate and slick passing and putting the Paulton boys under real pressure. Rovers seemed to have lost the plot. Breaking up Hamworthy attacks yes, but then giving the ball immediately back to them with hurried and ill-directed clearances.

However, the Rovers’ defence, with captain Neil Martin, Dan Restorick, Hewlett and Slade are hewn from granite and did not buckle. Gradually some order was restored.

Nevertheless, it was still against the run of play when, in the 35th minute, a through ball from Martin Lenihan was seized on by Simpson, who controlled it, sidestepped a defender, and assembled himself to volley past Kia Storr in the Hammers’ goal to equalise.

The first half ended with Hamworthy on top. Griffin drew a fine save from Jepson following another fine passing move across the pitch. Their strong running forwards Ed Hodge, Remus Nixon and Fletcher were using the space to create chances, but Jepson and his defenders stood firm. Indeed, their frustration showed itself as Fletcher was duly booked for unnecessarily crashing into the Paulton custodian.

The second half was more even. Play flowed from end to end and Paulton began to match their opponents. Lenihan showing some fine wing play, winning corners and providing crosses. Joe Morgan, in a good position, delayed just enough to have his shot charged down. Leo Eglin was working hard, trying to provide Simpson with opportunities, while Haines was booked when it seemed that the caution would be given the other way. ‘If that’s not a foul, then what is?’ cried one frustrated supporter.

Hamworthy were beginning to assert themselves again, showing an unusual routine from a succession of corners. Griffin headed against a post and a Fletcher shot went just wide. Then Paulton’s Kye Simpson, coming more into the game, was fouled as he moved across the pitch, but Dave O’Hare sent the free kick over the bar, but in the 76th minute, Martin Lenihan took careful aim with another free kick from 25 yards. His controlled shot flew hard and low via post and goalie and into the net. It was a brilliant strike.

From then on, the Hammers threw everything at Paulton. There were several goalmouth scrambles and Jepson was called into action more than once. At times Rovers panicked and invited pressure, making fine interceptions and tackles but then giving the ball straight back to the opposition with wild and hasty clearances.

The final moments saw chances at both ends. First, Paulton substitute Jemar South Thomas had a chance to settle the game as he found himself through on goal, but Storr made a great save to deny him. Then Jepson made a fantastic fingertip save, diverting a fierce goal bound shot from Hammers substitute Jack Tornianinen around the post.

It was breathless stuff. The game saw a clash of styles, with Paulton’s more direct tactics just about prevailing against a neat passing team. It was a fine win.

Paulton man of the match: Martin Lenihan – terrific work rate, an assist and a super goal.