PAULTON Rovers gained a fine 4-2 home win over Wellington in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League on Saturday.

Paulton forward Kye Simpson had the first real chance of the afternoon dragging the ball wide from a promising position. Rovers’ forward players, Dan McBeam, Corey Rawlings and Simpson, were seeing a lot of the ball, and, with Dan Cottle and Kitan Jalyeoba prompting from midfield, Paulton were well on top. 

In the 9th minute a great crossfield move involving Kitan led to a shot from Simpson being well saved by Jake Viney.. But Wellington showed they too could be a threat as shots from Mattew Crawley and Miles Quick flew wide, or were comfortably saved by Dan Jackson.. Jack Farion, Braden Humphries, Josh Ford and captain Jack Dancey were firm in defence. 

But in the 19th minute, Rovers suffered a blow as Cottle suffered a knee injury. Luke Ingram was his able replacement. Jack Farion moved into midfield where he and the stylish Will Osborne started to control the game, providing opportunities for Simpson and Rawlings. Kitan, showing great ball control, was a constant threat.  

Paulton’s pressure was rewarded in the 42nd minute when, following a corner, Jack Dancey crossed for Farion to head in from close range. Then, in first half injury time and following great work by Rawlings, Simpson strode away to side foot past Viney to score a second goal for Rovers. 

Paulton were caught napping at the start of the second period as Wellington’s Glen Wright easily broke away to cross for Quick to reduce the arrears. The Whites were encouraged and their play became far more intense, composed and confident. Rovers had lost the momentum. Passes were misplaced and possession conceded as players overplayed the ball. Dan McBeam was booked for a seemingly fair challenge. Wellies substitute Oscar Albano went close. 

But gradually Rovers reasserted themselves as Dancey rallied the troops. McBeam was caught narrowly offside before a wonderful run and lay off by Osborne, in the 69th minute, saw McBeam crash a cross shot past Viney to score a third goal for Paulton.

Paulton seemed to have gained some control again as attempts from Simpson, Kitan and substitute Milo Murgatroyd were foiled, but then, in the 86th minute, a Wellington breakaway saw Albano give Quick another chance to shoot past Jackson. 

However, Paulton quickly re-established their two-goal cushion as Simpson turned and shot firmly past Viney for his second of the afternoon. 

NOEL AVIS