PAULTON Rovers slumped to a 2-1 away loss to Saltash United in the Premier Division of the Jewson League, a controversial penalty in added time robbing them of a point.

It was somewhat against the run of play that Saltash took the lead in the 11th minute. From a corner, Hayden Greening looped a header back over Dan Jackson in the Rovers’ goal.

The goal galvanised Rovers though and they went close to equalising twice in the next few minutes. Firstly Will Hailston crashed a shot off the crossbar with the ball seemingly rebounding over the line. From the following corner, Josh Ford went close to scoring with a header.

With the pressure mounting, Jack Farion won a free kick on the edge of the box which Will Hailston tucked away around the wall with a low struck shot.

However, they were unable to fashion another good chance again for the half and Saltash went close in the 39th minute when they broke free. Dan Jackson had to be smart to stop a shot from the edge of the box.

Corey Rawlings got in twice in the first ten minutes for Rovers in the second half but on both occasions was unlucky to put his shots wide of the goal.

With twenty five minutes to go, Milo Murgatroyd and Kitan Jaiyeoba were introduced, both feeling their way back after injuries.

Rovers had their best chance when Jack Farion muscled his way clear through and into the box. With just the keeper to beat he squared the ball to Kitan who managed to get a shot away but again, it went frustratingly wide.

With the game heading for a draw, it took a massive twist when a Saltash player was adjudged to have his shirt pulled. Rikki Sheppard made no mistake and with anger spilling over Sam Hill was sent off.