Rovers edged an exciting local derby in which a free-kick from Dan Cottle and a well taken goal by Kye Simpson ensured the points returned to The Winterfield Stadium.

With the rain teeming down at at The Playing Fields, Shepton had the best of the opening minutes. From the off, their passing was slicker on the wet surface and causing issues for the Rovers backline. Their first chance came in the 9th minute when Dan Jackson was forced into a comfortable save.

It was a warning, and with the hosts continuing to press forward, they got their reward in the 13th minute when ex-Rovers player, Fin Haines, was allowed to control the ball on the edge of the box and drive a shot past Jackson. The hosts kept the pressure up and soon after Dan Jackson was forced into an incredible stop from a Shepton header.

It took until the 25th minute for Rovers to get their first chance on goal; a drive from outside the box that was deflected away for a corner. But it was the beginning of a good spell for Rovers. Suddenly, the passes were sticking and the visitors were able to get out of their half for longer periods.

The equaliser came in the 31st minute in slightly freak manner. Dan Cottle swung in a freekick from the right that rebounded of the near post; the ball span back across the goal and into the net deceiving everyone on the way! Despite having a better spell, Rovers could count themselves to be slightly lucky to be back in the game.

However, just four minutes later, a great move led to a fully deserved goal. Kitan Jaiyeoba picked up the ball on the left and thundered forward picking out a perfect pass to allow Kye Simpson to run on to and calmly slot in past the keeper. The game was now much more level but the final minutes of the first half played out with neither keeper having to make a serious save.

The second half began with Rovers on the front foot now and pushing forward in a much more confident manner. Unfortunately, an injury to Fin Haines caused a long stoppage and everyone at Paulton Rovers wishes Fin well in his recovery. It was a blow to Shepton as Haines had been a thorn in the side of Rovers in those early stages.

Rovers continued to press and were now spending longer periods of time in the opposition half. In the 71st minute, after some great work by Jack Farion and Corey Rawings, Dan Cottle had a shot from distance that curled just wide. Soon after, Milo Murgatroyd replaced Cottle and was immediately into the action causing issues for the Shepton backline.

But as time ticked on, Shepton hit several long balls that caused some panicky defending in the Rovers defence and they were able to get some shots away of their own. More good work from Rawlings on the left brought about three quick chances for Rovers that they were unable to put away.

The long stoppage and several substitutions ensured a long period of added time and Shepton upped the pressure again. Were Rovers going to rue their missed chances? Shepton won five corners in quick succession in the final moments and a flurry of bodies flying in the path of the ball kept Rovers ahead.

It was a relief when the final whistle eventually came and Rovers will walk away from the game counting themselves slightly fortunate after a game that could have swung either way in typical local derby style. Nevertheless, there were long periods of good football where Rovers looked more controlled and measured that should hopefully be a springboard going forward.

Coming up!
Hamworthy Recreation (A), FA Cup. Sunday 18th August. 1pm.
Wellington (H), League. Saturday 24th August. 3pm.
Shepton Mallet (H), League. Tuesday 27th August. 7.30pm.