Rovers survive scare at Tivvy

Tiverton Town 3 Paulton Rovers 4

Paulton Rovers closed to within three points of the Evo-Stik League Southern Division 1 South & West play-off zone with a thrilling victory at Tiverton Town on Tuesday night.

Nick McCootie and James Billing bagged two goals apiece for the visitors, who were given a scare by a Tiverton side who are now winless in 19 matches and parted company with their management team of Mark Saunders and Hedley Steele at the weekend.

Rovers took the lead in the 16th minute when Dan Cleverley's pass released Billing and he beat onrushing keeper Chris Wright to the ball. It sat up nicely for McCootie, who volleyed into the unguarded net.

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Ben Osman went close to doubling the lead three minutes later with a shot that Wright did well to save while, at the other end, Stuart Pearson had to head a Michael Nardiello shot off the line.

The Tivvy defence was caught flat-footed once more on 28 minutes when Billing again raced through from a Scott Brice clearance and duly rounded Wright to score.

However, the visitors saw their two-goal advantage wiped out as Tivvy hit back with three goals in the space of nine minutes to lead at the break.

Jules Emati-Emati forced the ball home after Paulton's claims for a free-kick after an apparent foul on Osman were turned down.

Ben Lacey was then penalised for a foul on the goalscorer and the resulting free-kick from Andy Taylor went through the wall. Despite a fine save from Rovers keeper Kyle Phillips, acting Tivvy boss Kevin Hill was on hand to tap in the parry.

Rovers were longing for the half-time whistle but conceded again when a cross from Lewis Tasker was headed down for skipper Nardiello to net with ease.

McCootie lashed home the equaliser seven minutes after the break when Brandon Barnes' left wing corner fell to him ten yards out.

The winner came just after the hour mark as Lacey picked out Mike Reaney on the overlap and his cross was controlled and converted by Billing.

Tivvy pressed for an equaliser but suffered a blow when Alex Faux was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.

Paulton's home game against Bishops Cleeve was postponed due to a waterlogged Winterfield Road pitch on Saturday. The game has been rearranged for Monday, April 15.

Despite the postponement, a very successful Race Night was held in the clubhouse. More than 70 people were in attendance and it proved to be a fun night for all the family.

This Saturday they travel to Taunton Town (3pm) and host Shortwood United on Tuesday (7.30pm).

Paulton's U18s recorded a 4-2 win over Bristol Manor Farm last Thursday.

Goals from Jacob Sloggett and central defenders Dane Edwards and Niall Taylor gave them a 3-1 interval lead. Sloggett added his second after the break.

Paulton's next game is at Welton Rovers on Wednesday, April 3 (7.30pm).