PAULTON Rovers poor run of form in Division One South of the Southern League continued in mid-week when they went down 1-0 at home to Tiverton Town, writes Jon Green.

After defeat and a poor performance the previous Saturday, Rovers would have been looking for a reaction and a game to warm the supporters on a very cold evening. But unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

Two early chances were missed in the opening minutes while Paulton struggled to hold onto the ball to make any meaningful attacks. In fact, it took 30 minutes for Rovers to carve out a chance that tested the Tivvy keeper. Brandon Bak found Cam Allen in the box but his well struck shot was parried away. The ball fell to Jaden Neale, playing in his debut game, but his shot from the angle was also saved.

The pivotal moment came in the 40th minute when Paulton’s second debutant, Harry Messenger, unfortunately took down an attacker and the resulting penalty was tucked away by Asa Hall.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Tiverton getting the early chances. Archie Matthews had to be at his best yet again to keep the score from increasing for the visitors.

Rovers did get the ball forward more often in this half, but again it took some time to create an opening and even then it came from a set piece. In the 64th minute, Martin Lenihan swung in a great freekick which was met by Ewan McMillan at the back post but his header flashed just wide.

Tivvy pressed forward again and were it not for Matthews and some wasteful finishing, the margin of victory would have been bigger., Arguably, Rovers best chance to equalise came late in the game when Jaden Neale delivered a great cross for Brandon Bak who, inexplicably missed his connect with the ball.