Managerless Paulton Rovers made the most of some big chances at The NL Services Stadium, as 10-man Bristol Manor Farm were beaten in the local derby, writes Jack Davies.
Farm started the brighter, as they looked to build on Tuesdays big away win. Ben Bament’s hard work won a corner and defender Josh Ford headed just wide on two minutes. Marcus Day scored on his return to Farm in midweek and he forced the first save of note. Driving a low effort that was saved by Sam Jepson. Paulton took the lead against the run of play and via a familiar face. Farm struggled to clear several times and Kyle Tooze gambled on the loose ball before finishing at the near post. One could have been two just a few minutes later. A corner was met by Neil Martin, but Seth Locke pulled off a superb point blank save. Farm would have a further uphill battle just before the break. Owen Brain adjudged to be late and high in a tackle on the touchline and was given a straight red card.
Despite the man disadvantage, Farm controlled much of the second half and created a few presentable changes. Day danced inside and out, and his effort was deflected to Bament, who just couldn’t manage a meaningful connection. The crucial turning point of the second half came via the outstretched Paulton Captain. Bament’s clever deep run saw him nick the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper and shoot towards the open goal, but Martin came from nowhere to slide in and hook the ball wide. Farm did keep coming as time ticked away. Day had another effort deflected narrowly wide before volleying the resulting corner just over. The visitors hadn’t got as forward as they’d have liked against 10 men, but they doubled that lead in a rare second half attack. Another former Farm man Kye Simpson won his foot race out wide and squared for substitute Joe Morgan to slide the ball in at the back post. Two became three as Paulton punished another mistake. A poor header back was intercepted by Martin Lenihan who deftly lifted the ball over Locke to end the contest.