AN UNFORTUNATE own goal and a Josh Ford header rescued a point for Paulton Rovers in a pulsating 2-2 home draw against Clevedon Town in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League in midweek.

After a bruising defeat away at Buckland Athletic, RayJohnston would have been looking for a reaction from his players - and he got one.

The opening minutes of the game saw probing attacks by both teams with Kye Simpson outpacing the Clevedon defence early on, producing a cross that needed pushing away for a corner.

The resulting set-piece saw an early chance for Corey Rawlings but his shot was off-target

The visitors came close in the 11th minute as they forced a good saveout of Dan Jackson in the Rovers goal. He was called into action again ten minutes later when he had to push a Freddie King free-kick around the post. After surviving another free-kick seconds later, Clevedon took the lead in the 27th minute.

A mistake in the Rovers’ defence allowed Alex Cam to find Freddie King who coolly slotted home. Rovers responded well and Kitan Jaiyeoba lost his man on the left and powered into the box. But his cross was cut-out before he could find Simpson.

Somewhat against the run of play, Clevedon doubled their lead a few minutes later when Freddie King's cross from the left was back-healed into the net by Sam Beresford.

But again the hosts responded and put Clevedon under some pressure inthe final moments of the half. A long throw was flicked on via Josh Fordand in his attempt to flick the ball back over his head, George King sliced the ball into his own net.

The home crowd were buoyed by the late goal and the appearance of Martin Lenihan as a half-time sub making his first home appearance of the season as had Chris Peck who he replaced.

The team restarted the game as they had left off with Kitan Jaiyeoba and Dan McBeam causing plenty of problems. Milo Murgatroyd and Will Hailston on for Kitan Jaiyeoba and CoreyRawlings, Rovers continued to press.

Dan Jackson was forced into another good save shortly after but Rovers were back on the attack again and after winning a corner, Dan McBeam played the ball into Will Hailston in the box who moved it back out to McBeam and his cross was met firmly by Josh Ford's head to grab the equaliser in the 73rd minute.

Jon Green