PAULTON Rovers gained a 2-1 away win in midweek over local rivals Shepton Mallet with Rovers winning with a free-kick from Dan Cottle and a well taken goal by Kye Simpson, ensuring the points returned to The Winterfield Stadium.

With the rain teeming down at The Playing Fields, Shepton had the best of the opening minutes. From the off, their passing was slicker on the wet surface and causing issues for the Rovers backline.

Their first chance came in the 9th minute when Dan Jackson was forced into a comfortable save.

It was a warning, and with the hosts continuing to press forward, they got their reward in the 13th minute when ex-Rovers player, Fin Haines, was allowed to control the ball on the edge of the box and drive a shot past Jackson.

The hosts kept the pressure up and soon after Dan Jackson was forced into an incredible stop from a Shepton header.

It took until the 25th minute for Rovers to get their first chance on goal; a drive from outside the box that was deflected away for a corner. But it was the beginning of a good spell for Rovers.

The equaliser came in the 31st minute in slightly freak manner. Dan Cottle swung in a freekick from the right that rebounded of the lefthand post; the ball span back across the goal and into the net deceiving everyone on the way!

Despite having a better spell, Rovers could count themselves to be slightly lucky to be back in the game.

However, just four minutes later, a great move led to a fully deserved goal. Kitan Jaiyeoba picked up the ball on the left and thundered forward picking out a perfect pass to allow Kye Simpson to run on to and calmly slot in past the keeper.

The game was now much more level but the final minutes of the first half played out with neither keeper having to make a serious save.

The second half began with Rovers on the front foot now and pushing forward in a much more confident manner.

Unfortunately, an injury to Fin Haines caused a long stoppage and everyone at Paulton Rovers wishes Fin well in his recovery.

Rovers continued to press and were now spending longer periods of time in the opposition half. In the 71st minute, after some great work by Jack Farion and Corey Rawings, Dan Cottle had a shot from distance that curled just wide.

Jon Green