BGB Youth Cup

Updated with match report from Manager Dave Neil

After a fine performance on Monday v Larkhall this was an opportunity to get another 90 minutes under their belts and restore some pride in what has so far been a disappointing campaign in this competition.

With injuries and abseentees a few changes had to be made from Monday. The attitude had to be right and the effort no less than a 100%. It could of been very easy for the lads to switch off in a game that had no bearing on progressing

From the start the team showed great determination and a desire to continue from where they left off on Monday. The first goal came from a penalty. Rob Banfield taking over from capt Ben Lacey on penalty duty converted but it took 2 goes, the linesman deeming the that the goalkeeper moved off his line when the 1st was taken. This settled the nerves and from then on it was all Paulton going in at half time 4-1 up with further goals from Banfield and 2 from the Ben Lacey.

The second half saw Merthyr come back at Paulton with a bit of bite and for parts of the second half showed us what we had initially expected that they can be a good footballing side. However some great movement of the ball from back to front with good accurate passing opened their defence up on several occasions and Paulton extended their lead to 6-1 with further goals from James Hailston and a well deserved hat trick from the increasingly impressive Ben Lacey. Merthyr pulled one back from a penalty and finally James Haiston got his second to make it 7.

A great all round performance particularly from a back four of Lidford, Marren, Neil and Mills and  without the injured Brad Allen, Steve Marren deputising brilliantly. Rob Banfield now has 14 goals from midfield in all competitions which is a fantastic return for a central midfield player but the contribution of his partner in midfield Tom Evans plays a big part in that, allowing Rob to get forward to create goals and score them. James Hailston moving from left back to up front now has 3 goals in two games and is now finding his scoring touch. There were also appearances outfield for keepers Phil Smale and Dan Nolan who both did very well.

All in all a great display. Now back to league action with Odd Down away on Weds and Larkhall at home the following week. Two must win games.

Team.. Rothwell, Mills, Neil, Lidford( May 75), Marren, Evans, Banfield, Smale(Nolan 45), Morgan(Rideout 35), Lacey(capt), Hailston