PAULTON Rovers slipped to ninth in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League after suffering a disappointing 2-1 away defeat against Ivybridge Town, continuing their poor run of away form.

The games started in a very slow fashion with both teams happy getting a feel for the ball. Neither side was able to fashion a decent chance and it took until the 23rd minute for any action of note.

The hosts won a free kick on the edge of the Rovers' penalty area after what seemed a very soft challenge. Jake Lane struck the ball past the wall but despite getting a hand to the baill, goalkeeper Dan Jackson could not keep it out.

It spurred the visitors into action but despite seeing plenty of the ball they were finding it difficult to create a clear-cut scoring chance.

But the pressure nearly told in the 31st minute as a crossed ball caused confusion for the Ivybridge defence. Both Kye Simpson and Bill Padfield took potshots from close range but somehow the home keeper and defenders contrived to keep the ball out.

Rovers continued to toil but it took until the stroke of half time before another decent chance came. Will Hailston used some nifty footwork on the edge of the box to move past a couple of challenges before moving the ball onto George Fowler but his snap shot was straight at the keeper.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Rovers seeing lots of the ball but not really able to open up Ivybridge consistently. A chance fell for Will Hailston in the 53rd minute but he struck the ball well over. Ivybridge still looked dangerous when breaking although they hadn’t really tested Jackson. But a good move in the 60th minute saw Sean Thomson sweep the ball in to double the lead.

Kitan Jaiyeoba was introduced soon after for Rovers and he was immediately into the action and causing problems. But Ivybridge stayed resolute. Dan McBeam was able to cut in from the left in the 75th minute but his shot was weak and straight at the keeper again.

Rovers began to increase the pressure as the game ticked on and got some reward in the 90th minute when an Ivybridge player clearly handled in the box. Kitan stepped up and dispatched the penalty to close the gap. With time nearly up one more chance fell to the visitors when Will Hailston found himself clear in the box. His shot beat the keeper but crashed against the crossbar to deny the equaliser.

It was a tight game and several home supporters were heard to suggest that a draw would have been a fair result but it wasn’t to be.

Jon Green