Paulton Rovers 1 Bath City 4: Bath City were the victors but Rovers' two Leagues below their National League South opponents gave a good account, despite defeat, at Optima Stadium Weston-super-Mare FC.
Chris Lines found Scott Wilson through from a free kick for the Romans however Paulton skipper Neil Martin blocked his effort. Proud dad Martin walked onto the pitch with his two year old daughter sporting a Rovers shirt.
Against the run of play Paulton took an 11 Ruth minute lead. Defender Dan Restorick won a tackle in midfield found youngster Leo Elgin whose pass to stand in striker Jack Fillingham was flicked into the path of Ed Butcher who ran on and hit a firm low shot past keeper Max Harris who is on loan from Cheltenham Town.
Wilson was again thwarted by Martin and in response Rovers attacked through Jack Dancey who thresded through to Butcher with his low cross blocked.
Bath piled on the pressure with Paulton nullifying with two banks of four keeping them at bay. When Wilson did get through Arron Sainsbury was out smartly from his goal to snuff out any danger.
Dan Hayfield was increasing influential as the tall midfielder fired over. On forty minutes, Rovers hearts sank as from Lines right wing corner Wilson's header was superbly saved and turned for another corner from which Hayfield rose above everyone to equalise with a header that game off the post into the net.
On the restart Wilson brought another save from Sainsbury then the Roman striker's header was held by Sainsbury.
The crowd of 548 were enjoying an entertaining encounter with Hayfield firing over then a shot taken easily by the Rovers custodian.
Rovers back line well marshalled by Martin and Restorick with full backs Joe Paradise and Nuno Felix holding up well until the 80th minute.
Jordan Dyer was fouled on the edge of the area and that man Hayfield hit a fierce low free kick past Sainsbury to make it 2-1.
Paulton heass did not go down as Butcher and Dave O'Hare both working tirelessly and tested Harris. From a Rovers attack the ball broke in the 91st minute as sub Luke Spokes pass Wilson ran on to drive the ball past Sainsbury and into the net.
In the 94th minute, Bath added with a fourth as Hayfield slotted through to Spokes who made it 4-1.
A plucky performance from Paulton who despite the score line played some following football with Hayfield deservedly been awarded player of the match.
On to next season.
Tony Walsh