Cindeford Town 0 Paulton Rovers 3

Paulton’s enterprising first half performance gave a gallant too much to do in the second half.

At the start of the game a minute’s silence was observed in honour of the war dead but also in the memory of Dennis Mears, a supporter and former club committee member.

Rovers were first to the ball against Cinderford! Lucky 14 for Leighton!

Paulton’s enterprising first half performance gave a gallant Cinderford team too much to do in the second half.

On a dull day, both teams started brightly. Cinderford’s Owen Taylor shot narrowly over the bar while Paulton’s Edward Butcher was unlucky with a fierce cross-shot that flew just beyond the far post.

After 14 minutes, Liban Ibrahim won the ball in midfield and sent Ed Butcher away on the right wing. His cross was skilfully side-footed home by Leighton Thomas for his 14th goal in what was his 14th game of the season!

Ibrahim is a talented and inventive midfielder, while Butcher and Thomas have an understanding that is a great asset to Paulton.

Just four minutes later, Butcher’s corner somehow came back to him and his shot was deflected in for Paulton’s second.

Will Harvey, energetic, quick and aggressive for Paulton, saw one shot cannon off the bar and had another saved. Well supported by George Fowler and David O’Hare and swapping wings with Butcher, Harvey was a constant threat.

Cinderford, fortunate to be only two goals down, then had a spell of possession, and Sammie Hicks created chances for forwards, Jake Jackson and Taylor, but solid defensive work by Nuno Felix and Neil Martin proved too strong.

The Foresters’ defence was breached again in the 45th minute when Butcher ran powerfully down the right, crossing to David O’Hare who swept the ball emphatically past the exposed Nick Jones in the Cinderford goal to make it 3 –0.

In the second half, Cinderford’s neat passing gave them more possession and they tried hard to get a foothold in the game, but Neil Martin and Dan Dempsey stood firm at the heart of the Rovers defence, denying them many clear opportunities.

Both teams made substitutions and Aaron Sainsbury had to make a flying save from Town’s Jack Freeman. Thierry Swaby gave Paulton’s attack a new dimension and, combining well with the excellent James Byrne, went close to scoring on a number of occasions. We must take care with comparisons, but Thierry looks an exciting talent.

Paulton should perhaps have added further goals, but were sometimes guilty, Manchester City like, of overpassing. Jones, Cinderford’s excellent goalkeeper, also helped to keep the score down.

Nevertheless, this was a thoroughly deserved victory, based on togetherness and teamwork.

Paulton Man of the Match: Neil Martin – calm and assured in defence.

Noel Avis Reserves won at West Wick in the Somerset Cup 8–7 on penalties after the sides tied 2–2 at full time.

The First Team play at home to Slimbridge on Wednesday, 24th November, kick-off at 7.30 pm.

On Saturday, 27th November the Firsts are away at Lymington Town, kick-off at 3 pm. Coach departs prompt at 11 am.

On Tuesday, 30th November, Rovers are back at Lymington in the third of the Southern League Challenge Cup, kick-off at 7.45 pm. Coach leaves the club at 4 pm.

Home on Saturday, 4th December to Winchester City, kick-off at 3 pm.

Reserves are at home on Saturday, 27th November to Evercreech Rovers Res, kick-off at 2pm.

The U-18s will play Bishop Sutton on Thursday, 25th November, kick-off at 7.30 pm. On Saturday, 27th November they play away to Mangotsfield, kick-off at 10.30 am.

The Ladies First Team are away to West Mendip on Sunday, 28th November. Development team play at Farmington to Burnham Utd Res. Both games at 2 pm.