Emphatic cup win for Dave Neil's team.

Report from Dave Neil

This was the first time that Paulton had come up against Shaftesbury who are in the South Division of the Somerset Floodlight League. This was a cup match and whilst we knew very little about our opponents it was important to take them very seriously in order to progress.

Dave Neil gave a debut to Ross Whittock in goal with regular keeper Phil Smale starting outfield. In the absence of Club Captain Josh Harrington who is still injured the armband again was given to Ben Lacey.

It was a slow start for the first 20 minutes with Paulton finding their feet on what was a very sticky pitch. Shaftesbury keeper made a triple save to deny Paulton's goal but soon after Paulton were 1 nil up due to Rob Banfield scoring his 6th of the season. Number 2 came very soon,Phil Smale with his first of the season with a simple tap in. By half time Paulton were 4 nil up with further goals added by Sam Morgan and Dan Flower. Ben Lacey having a hand in 2 of them . The lads' attitudes were excellent and were using the time and space that were afforded to them very well. The Shaftesbury keeper was very busy and prevented Paulton going in at half time only 4 nil up.

The second half started as much as the first did and but again Paulton soon found the net, Sam Morgan scoring his second of the night and 5th for the season. The 6th came when Rob Lidford attemted a shot which was goal bound but it took a deflection of off fellow defender Brad Allen and it deflected into the net for Allens 1st goal for Paulton(unlucky Rob). The final goal came from Ben Lacey capping off an excellent game. Overall it was another good performance from the team, one which showed a great deal of maturity and team spirit. Encouraging as well was another clean sheet plus the chance to give Jamie Croydon and Dex Neil run outs after coming back from injury.

The squad has a good feel to it and its great to see those players not involved coming to support. Next week see's us return to league action at home to Odd Down.Thanks must go to Rob Filer for getting the pitch ready to play.Without him it wouldn't have happened.

Team.. Whittock, Mills, Hailston, Evans, Lydford, Allen(Croydon 60) Smale(Neil 70), Banfield, Flower, Morgan, Lacey(Mott 80)

Star Man.. Hailston!