Paulton Rovers' home game against Godalming Town last Saturday was postponed as the Winterfield Road pitch was waterlogged. The Surrey side will now face a long trip on a Tuesday when the game is rescheduled.
However, Nick Bunyard's men did not have an idle afternoon as they played a friendly on the all-weather pitch at the Writhlington School Sports Centre, beating Toolstation side, Longwell Green 5–1.
The significance of playing a full game on an all-weather pitch may help as this Saturday, Rovers travel to top of the table Merthyr Town who play on a newly- laid 4G all-weather pitch.
'The Martyrs' played the only game in the division last Saturday, coming from 2–0 down to win 3–2 against North Leigh.
The Welshmen are currently unbeaten at home, having won eleven and drawn two to date at Penydarren Park, so Bunyard's side, who sit in fourth place in the Calor Southern League Division One South and West, face a hard task.
The recent postponement means Dean Evans sits out this game, completing his suspension and Marcus Mapstone will be out injured at least until the end of the month.
The coach will leave the club at 10.30 a.m. There is likely to be heavy demand for supporters' places. Those wishing to travel should add their names to the list in the club from 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday) or text or ring the Football Secretary, Chris Fenwick, on: 07760 377302 or Chairman, Dave Bissex, on: 07894 233974 or leave a message on the website: http://www.paultonroversfc.co.uk/Paulton">www.paultonroversfc.co.uk/Paulton will travel to Tiverton Town on Tuesday, 28th January for the rearranged game postponed from 21st December. No date has been set yet for the Mangotsfield United match called off on New Year's Day.
The Sunday XI play FC Frome this weekend, kick-off at 10.30 a.m. at Frome Community College.
The Under-18s played at Winterbourne United on Wednesday evening and next Wednesday, (15th January) are away to Bristol Manor Farm, kick-off at 7.45 p.m.
Bristol Rovers Youth Team will come to Winterfield Road on 21st January to play Rovers' Youth in a friendly, kicking-off at 7.30 p.m. This is a prestige friendly for the Youth Team, who have developed a good relationship with Bristol Rovers. Paulton's young striker, Connor Davies, is currently on trial at Rovers, hoping to secure a professional contract.
Connor has attracted the interest of a number of professional clubs, including Bristol City.