Paulton hit the Top spot !!

Cirencester Town v Paulton Rovers

Star Match - Division 1 South

Paulton defeated a well organised Cirencester side to move to the top of the league and win their sixth consecutive game.

It was end to end stuff early on and Paulton's defence of Joe Hillard, Ben Withey, captain Charlie Hitchings and the impressive Craig Allan held firm. Upfront Braeden Symes nearly put Rovers in front heading wide.

Ciren had a five minute period of sustain pressure with Aiden Bennett twice hitting the post then Rovers keeper Joe Perry pulled off two consecutive saves from Jack Freeman and John Dennis.

When it seemed Paulton had withstood the danger the hosts took a 38-minute lead through the equally impressive Forest Green Rovers loanee Ollie Artwell who struck a powerful volley from outside the box.

Cam Shorney though levelled three minutes later with a well-struck free-kick that took a slight deflection.

The visitors went ahead on 50 minutes as a long clearance from keeper Perry saw Jake Sloggett out jump his taller marker to send Dave Sims-Burgess through to slot his shot past Lewis Clayton in the Town goal.

Six minutes later Rovers added to the tally after a slick move started by left-back Withey saw him play a one-two with Sims-Burgess to dink a lovely ball over the defence and leading scorer Ben Bament raced on to whack a firm half volley past the hapless Clayton.

Minutes later Sims-Burgess appeared to trip in the penalty area but the referee waved play on.

On 68 minutes it was 4-1 as Allan cleared to Withey he played the ball up the left were Bament held off a challenge from Shayne Anson to send Butcher who Round the keeper to slot into an empty net.

Artwell hit the post and following up Freeman hit the crossbar as Centurions pressed to reduce the deficit. Although Rover's response saw a well-taken corner on the right by sub-Ali Sen find Bament who twice had his shot blocked.

In the 94 minutes, Ciren were awarded a soft penalty and Alan Griffin scored although Perry got a hand to the ball.

Paulton Rovers man of the match Craig Allan

Match Report Paulton Rovers FC