PAULTON Rovers produced the stunning performance of the day in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League to blitz Bridgwater United 7-2 at home.

Yet, from the kick off, Bridgwater settled more quickly and were threatening, particularly on the left, and Dan Jackson in the Paulton goal was forced into an early save. But Paulton’s defenders under captain Jack Dancey, are well organised, strong and confident. Jack Farion’s vision, Dan Dyke’s tackling and Josh Ford’s command in the air make them a formidable rearguard. 

A free kick taken by the excellent Dan McBeam led to a bout of pin ball in the Utd penalty area. Shots rained down on Liam Kingston in the Bridgwater goal but were repeatedly blocked.

After 19 minutes, in another Rovers attack, Paulton defender Josh Ford was upended in the Bridgwater penalty area. Dan McBeam gave Kingston no chance as he struck a firm penalty to put Rovers one up. Chances were then created at both ends. McBeam went close again following terrific work in midfield by Sam Hill, while Finn Koppa, tricky winger Obamwonyi and playmaker Liam Winter kept Jackson busy between the posts for Rovers. 

Jack Farion and Kitan Jaiyeoba combined well, creating a chance for Hill which flew over the bar, while Jackson again saved brilliantly from Koppa. Bridgwater forward J. Kingston then saved well from Kye Simpson as the first half ended.

Early in the second half, McBeam passed to Simpson who shot confidently past the Utd goalie to extent Rovers’ lead. Just a minute later, Paulton were three up and cruising as Hill’s great interception and Simpson’s cross allowed Kitan to side-foot past Kingston. 

Will Osborne, began to take control. In the 59th minute, Will Hailston steadied a loose ball and from 25 yards, fired an unstoppable shot beyond the startled Kingston to score Paulton’s fourth.

Rovers were now completely dominant and Bridgwater’s Hayden Chambers was booked for a poor challenge on Dancey. In the 71st minute Paulton substitutes Corey Rawlings and Milo Murgatroyd combined beautifully for Murgatroyd to find the net to make the score 5-0. 

Murgatroyd then showed amazing trickery and ball control to outwit several Utd defenders before finding the net with a fantastic finish.

McBeam, fed by Murgatroyd, rubbed more salt into the wound, beating a shellshocked Kingston to add an unlikely seventh goal for Paulton, before Chambers and Jamie Price scored consolation goals for outplayed United.  Man of the match: Dan McBeam.

Noel Avis