AFTER Saturday’s goalfest against Bridgwater United, Paulton Rovers were brought down to earth when they lost 1-0 at home to Street in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League in midweek.

Dan Jackson in the Paulton goal was called into action early on as he saved a shot from Lewis Morgan.

The game was evenly balanced at the start, although Street were seeing more of the ball, and Dan Dyke was penalised for a foul on Street’s Joel Jackson. Rovers broke away and shots from Dan McBeam and Will Hailston were close, while Jack Farion’s s effort flew over the bar following a fine move.

Gradually, Paulton started to gain some control. Kye Simpson with a deft backheel set up Milo Murgatroyd, who shot straight at Lewis Wiliams in the Street goal. Simpson himself then went close following a fine through ball by Dan McBeam. As defender Josh Ford sent a header over the Street bar, it seemed just a matter of time before Paulton’s dominance resulted in a goal. 

Sam Hill and Will Osborne were industrious in midfield, harrying the Street players into mistakes and winning possession. Murgatroyd, McBeam, Hailston and Simpson all threatened but were unable to break the deadlock.

In the 39th minute, after Street’s Scott Laird had blocked a McBeam effort, Street’s playmaker Eli Collins struck a fine shot which drew a wondrous save from Jackson.  Harry Foster and the dangerous Joel Lewis combined well before Rovers’ captain Jack Dancey made a saving interception. Street were gaining control. Nevertheless, the first half ended with Hailston striking the Street post with a fine effort.

Murgatroyd, Simpson and Osborne all went close after the break. After 60 minutes, Kitan Jaiyeoba replaced Murgatroyd to add a different dimension. Street keeper Williams, challenged by Simpson, collapsed as if poleaxed – no foul was committed – yet a free kick was awarded and the keeper spent the rest of the game hobbling.

Despite some promising opportunities for the home team,  Street’s pressing gradually saw Rovers pegged back in their own half.

In the 84th minute a cross from Foster saw Callum Laird, up from defence, strike the ball low and hard in off the post to give Street a lead their late pressure just about deserved. 

Due to keeper Williams’s blatant timewasting, the referee added lengthy extra minutes but their late pressure came to nothing. 

Rovers had succumbed to a sucker punch. Man of the match: Will Hailston.

Noel Avis