Report by Tony Walsh

Paulton overcome by the Tigers

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS TO FOLLOW ON PAULTON ROVERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Paulton went out of the FA Cup in the 1st Qualifying Round in front of a crowd of 587, at the hands of a skilful and adept Gloucester City who play two division above them.

On their 3G pitch the hosts had a series of chances as Dayle Grubb and Kieran Phipps saw shots sail over the Rovers bar.

Then Luca Robinson’s cross was met by Phillips bringing a fine save from Paulton goalie Dan Jackson. A run from Rovers winger Kitan Jaiyaboa found Will Hailston whose effort was blocked.

The Tigers captain Kevin Dawson was finding acres of spaces and to be frank the Irishman, a former Yeovil Town player was very influential. His drive was well parried by Jackson.

However on 18 minutes a weak back pass from Josh Ford was seized upon by Phillips his shot was push away by Jackson only for Rovers captain Jack Dancey to unfortunately slice the ball into his own net to open the scoring.

A succession of chances were well defended by Ford and Dancey to keep the Tigers at bay.

On 32 minutes Paulton had a great chance as Kye Simpson raced onto a long ball only to be prevented by home keeper Jared Thompson.

In first half time added on Gloucester were awarded what appeared to be a harsh penalty. Phillips and Dancey raced for a ball there seemed little if any contact and it was outside the penalty area, but the referee pointed to the spot and the home sides leading scorer Joe Hanks dispatched the penalty kick.

On the resumption Jackson was on hand to save from Phillips. Paulton introduced sub Milo Murgatroyd who set up Simpson to bring a saw out of Thompson. Then after a mazey run Murgatroyd appeared to have been fouled inside the ball with the referee waving play on.

Rovers had a real let off on 78 minutes as good build up on the right by Ty Duffus and Hanks found sub Harry Burn whose volley hit the crossbar with a Jackson beaten.

Paulton introduced Dan McBeam recovering after injury and he had a shot held by Thompson and after he took a left wing corner full Jack Farion belted an effort just over the bar.

Rovers never say die gritty performance saw Kitan bring a save from Thompson whilst the Tigers responded as Jackson saved from Burns, Duffus and Harry Pritchard.

A brave effort and a decent cup run for Paulton. Beaten by the better side but a couple debatable penalty decision and it might have been a replay.

Player of the match Kevin Dawson (Gloucester City)

Next Saturday the 1st team are back in league action at home to Bridgwater United kick off 3-00 p.m.

Then Tuesday 10 September home to high flying Street kick off 7-30 p.m.

Before then on Thursday 5 September the U18’s are home in the FA Youth Cup to Cirencester Town kick off 7-30 p.m