Hallen U18s 3 v 2 Paulton Rovers U18s

Report by Tony Walsh

FA Youth Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Paulton's very young youth team came back from a three goal deficit but eventually lost out to a more experienced HALLEN side.

The hosts took a 3rd minute lead as Zaid Samadi latched onto a poor clearance and shot low past Rovers keeper Massimo Sardo.

With most of the side being 16 or younger, they seemed overwhelmed and HALLEN made it 2-0 on 10 minute as Yunis Sert ran through to add to the tally.

Paulton rallied and started to outplay HALLEN as first Eitenne Norman narrowly headed wide.

On the half hour, a long ball out of defence by HALLEN saw Harrison Fairborn clearly (est. 5 yards) offside and with no whistle he ran on to make it 3-0.

Rovers came out undeterred and within minutes they pulled two goals back in double quick time.

On 47 minutes Aston Rice head past HALLEN keeper Eric Thomas then within a minute Alex Kelleher hit a low shot and at 3-2 it was game on.

Rovers were now the better side and half chances fell to Joe Markey, Kelleher and Norman and Thomas's alert keeping prevented an equaliser.

As Paulton dominated HALLEN became more physical, having several players booked and in the dying minutes Lewis Trueman received a second yellow card and was dismissed.

Despite applying lots of pressure that elusive equaliser did not come about.

Good luck to HALLEN in the next round against Hartbury College.