Paulton eventually overcame a spirited Wellington outfit who put up a real fight and provided stern opposition. It led to an entertaining game with both teams wanting to create chances on a near perfect pitch.

Paulton forward Kye Simpson had the first real chance of the afternoon dragging the ball wide from a promising position. The Rovers’ forward players, Dan McBeam, Corey Rawlings and Simpson, were seeing a lot of the ball, and, with Dan Cottle and Kitan Jalyeoba prompting from midfield, Paulton were well on top.

In the 9th minute a great crossfield move involving Kitan led to a shot from Simpson being well saved by Jake Viney in the Wellington goal. But Wellington showed that they too could be a threat as shots from Mattew Crawley and Miles Quick flew wide, or were comfortably saved by Dan Jackson between the Paulton posts. Jack Farion, Braden Humphries, Josh Ford and captain Jack Dancey were firm in defence as the Wellies at times moved the ball speedily from defence to attack.

But in the 19th minute, Rovers suffered a blow as Cottle suffered a knee injury and was unable to continue. Luke Ingram was his able replacement. Jack Farion moved into midfield where he and the stylish Will Osborne started to control the game, providing opportunities for Simpson and Rawlings. Kitan, showing great ball control, was a constant threat. Ingram sent Rawlings away to send a tempting ball across the face of goal, which went unconverted. Terrific play from Farion gave Simpson another chance, but Viney saved well.

Paulton’s pressure was rewarded in the 42nd minute when, following a corner, Jack Dancey crossed for Farion to head in from close range. Then, in first half injury time and following great work by Rawlings, Simpson strode away to side foot past Viney to score a second goal for Rovers.

Half time 2- 0

Paulton were caught napping at the start of the second period as Wellington’s Glen Wright easily broke away to cross for Quick to reduce the arrears. The Whites were encouraged and their play became far more intense, composed and confident. Rovers had lost the momentum. Passes were misplaced and possession conceded as players overplayed the ball. Dan McBeam was booked for a seemingly fair challenge. Wellies substitute Oscar Albano went close.

But gradually Rovers reasserted themselves as Dancey rallied the troops. McBeam was caught narrowly offside before a wonderful run and lay off by Osborne, in the 69th minute, saw McBeam crash a cross shot past Viney to score a third goal for Paulton. The Wellington keeper then excelled himself in a one on one with Jaiyeoba.

Paulton seemed to have gained some control again as attempts from Simpson, Kitan and substitute Milo Murgatroyd were foiled, but then, in the 86th minute, a Wellington breakaway saw Albano give Quick another chance to shoot past Jackson to score their second.
However, Paulton quickly re-established their two-goal cushion as Simpson showed excellent control of a high ball, before turning and shooting firmly past Viney for his second of the afternoon.

Overall, Rovers had played with confidence, togetherness and some style against a good Wellington side.

Man of the match: Jack Farion – a calm, composed midfield display, capped by a fine goal.

Upcoming fixtures: Tue 27th August 7.30 pm (H) Shepton Mallet (League)
Sat 31st August 3.00 pm (A) Gloucester City (FA Cup)
Sat 7th Sept 3.00 pm (H) Bridgwater United (League)