Understrength visitors succumb to league leaders

Windsor & Eton 4 Paulton Rovers 0

A Rovers' side without Josh Jeffries, Matt Cooper, John Lock and Ben Lacey put in a tremendous effort against unbeaten champions elect Windsor & Eton.

There is no doubt the hosts were worthy of victory but the scoreline hardly reflects the amount of possession Rovers enjoyed or the chances they created.

The home side made the perfect start in the second minute when a through ball sent Michael Chennels clear and he held off the challenge of Alex Ball to slip the ball past Rovers keeper Kyle Phillips and into the net.

Jake Parsons shot just wide, Chennels headed over and Gavin Smith headed wide as the home side made an impressive start.

Rovers responded and had a claim for a penalty for handball turned down, while Chris Lane set up Rob Claridge for a shot that cleared the bar and Rob Cousins tested home keeper, Rob Bullivant with a well-struck drive.

On 41 minutes, Gavin Smith again sent Chennels and this time his shot beat Phillips but came back off the post.

It could have proved costly as, right on half-time, a great Rovers' move saw Charlie Rich free but Bullivant made a great save low to his right.

Rovers came out after the break and took the game to their hosts. On 55 minutes Cousins' free-kick into the box dropped first to Lane and, after his effort was blocked, to Ollie Price, but the ball would just not go in.

The home side rallied as Chennels tried unsuccessfully to lob Phillips.

On 65 minutes a through ball down the Windsor left saw Chennels race clear, only for Phillips to race from his area and bring the striker down.

The Paulton contingent, and Phillips in particular, were relieved to see the referee produce a yellow card.

Windsor's pressure eventually paid off on 68 minutes when a corner from the right found Matt Seedel at the far post and he headed home.

Rovers continued to play their football and on 74 minutes appeals for another penalty were denied as Claridge went down under a challenge but the referee waved play on.

Windsor's third goal came on 80 minutes following the award of a free-kick against Price. Despite being some 40 yards out, a blistering drive from Bruce Wilson dipped and hit the underside of the bar on its way into the net.

The home side completed the scoring two minutes later when a flowing move ended with Smith setting up an easy tap in for Seedel to score his second.

Phillips then had to produce a brilliant save to once more deny Chennels as the home side finished strongly.