After losing 7-2 to the Elm Tree in a previous game and with only eleven players available this was to be a real tough game for Jon Filers side.

 

A 4-5-1 formation was selected as it was felt this may work a little better than the norm. Both teams started well and either team could have gone ahead quite easily. It was Elm Tree that took the lead with a high ball that James misread and got underneath only to see an Elm Tree player to net the opener.

 

Paulton however seemed to have a different attitude in this game and it was not long until they were back in the game with a goal from Sam Cannon.

 

This was short lived, because within a minute from the kick off Elm Tree had retaken the lead.

 

Paulton kept their shape and kept pressing and they were rewarded with a second goal. A cross from the left by Cannon found Roberts unmarked in the box to head home.

 

Both sides had chances to score but they were not taken. Rovers took the lead for the first time in the game, again Cannon down the left crossing the ball again finding Roberts who this time netted with a left foot volley that the keeper could only parry and the ball ending in the net.

 

The half time score could have been all square, but Elm hit the post from a penalty.

 

A constructive half time team talk took place trying to keep everyone focused. Rovers kicked off the second half and the pattern of play remained as the first with both teams playing competitive football.

 

However, it was Paulton that went further ahead when a long ball saw Roberts getting in behind the defence to net his third, this time with a right foot shot.

 

Elm Tree pressed more and more but the Rovers defence battled for everything and gave their all to keep Elm out. Elm did score a third to set up a nervy last quarter of an hour for Paulton.

 

Again scores could have been level as Elm were once again awarded a penalty. This time Callaghan in goal for Paulton pulled off a fine save.

 

James also cleared off the line from another effort and Callaghan pulled of a string of fine saves and blocks. Paulton mid-field ran their socks off and the defence stood strong to hang on to a 4-3 victory. The scoreline could have been so different if both sides took their chances, and there were many of them.

 

Team:- Callaghan, Deane, James, Chinnick, King, Hurle, C Rothwell, J Rothwell, Filer, Cannon, Roberts.

MOM:- Roberts.