Report by Tony Walsh

Paulton’s five match unbeaten run came to an end on a soft and heavy pitch on a freezing Wednesday night.

Rovers started brightly with Kyle Simpson firing into the side netting then a run down the left from Wayne Nderemani saw Will Hailston test James Dunn in the home goal.

Clevedon’s Freddie King who looks as though he is destined to play at a higher level was a thorn in the visitors defence and he set up centre forward Lucas Vowles who shot wide.

On 13 minute Vowles found King who curled a low shot past Dan Jackson to give the Seasiders the lead.

Rovers nearly responded as Milo Murgatroyd had a shot pushed around the post. However the hosts applied intense pressure on Jackson’s goal.

Clevedon made it 2-0 on 36 minutes as Vowles latched onto a misplaced pass and stroked home a low drive into the corner of the net.

Three minutes later it was worse as Alex Camm fastened onto another loose pass and fired home from the ended of the penalty area.

Rovers made four substitutions at half time but before they had settled in Clevedon made it four receiving another misplaced pass and raced on to shot past Jackson.

This fired Paulton alive and they launched attack after attack. Hailston and Murgatroyd prominent and on 52 minutes Rovers looked to be awarded a certain penalty as Hailston was bundled over in the box. The referee waived away the appeal to the surprise of even the vocal home drummers.

Paulton pressure paid off on 66 minutes as Murgatroyd goal bound shot was deflected into the path of Will Osborne to reduce the deficit.

Jack Farion and Dan McBeam tested Dunn then Hailston drove the ball in the net but was ruled offside by the assistant on the far side.

Rovers manager Ray Johnston will be keen to regroup in time for Saturday’s long trip to Cornish side Torpoint Athletic.

The coach leaves the club at 09-00 a.m. in time to catch the Torpoint ferry for 12-30 p.m. Supporters wishing to travel should add their name to list in the clubhouse as there is limited availability.

Next Tuesday Rovers are home to Nailsea and Tickenham in the Somerset Premier Cup kick off 7-30 p.m.