Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 2 September 2021

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 18s' hopes of a victorious return to the FA Youth Cup were dashed as Paulton Rovers secured a 3-1 triumph in their Preliminary round tie at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.

A pair of first half goals from Harrison Newman proved decisive in an open game.

The hosts were able to apply some early pressure and perhaps felt they should have had a penalty following a clear, albeit accidental, handball in the box as Paulton struggled to deal with Alex Stephenson's hanging right-wing cross.

However, Paulton eventually took the lead, doing so in fortuitous circumstances as Newman's free kick from deep on the left side deceived 'keeper Lewis Smith and flew in over the Bassett shotstopper.

The visitors then capitalised on a defensive mistake for their second. Seb Smith snatched at a clearance from a low ball played into the box, and Newman was quickest to react, firing into the bottom left corner with a precise first-time drive from ten yards out.

Stephenson had a chance to pull one back for Bassett before the break as he danced through the Paulton backline before skewing wide with his left foot.

But the deficit was halved shortly after the restart – and in fine style too. Receiving possession on the edge of the area, Euan Spackman expertly checked inside his marker before arrowing a terrific effort into the bottom left corner with his subsequent touch.

That goal sparked Paulton back into life though. And, after Bassett rode their luck, Leo Miller restored the visitors' two goal advantage with a deft, measured chip from twenty yards.

Finding themselves back in the position they started the second period, that goal served as a crucial blow. And try as they might, Bassett were unable to get back into the game.

They did muster two further half chances. Stephenson steered wide from an angle, while a Max McCrae shot beat the advancing Paulton 'keeper but lacked the necessary pace as a recovering defender was able to guide the ball to safety as it neared the goalline.

Yet it was Paulton who continued to fashion the better openings, with the lively Newman coming close to sealing his hat-trick on a couple of occasions.

In the end, the visitors comfortably saw out the game to book a home date with Portishead Town in the First Qualifying round.

For Bassett attentions now turn to the Wiltshire League Floodlit Division, and an opening fixture away against Melksham Town.

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Extended highlights can be viewed here courtesy of Your Sport Swindon.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Friday 3rd September 2021 at 16:45