BRITISH GAS BUSINESS FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 SOUTH AND WEST

A goal down in two minutes and two down in the 23rd, City looked as if they were in for a rough ride at home against Paulton Rovers on Saturday, who were going for a play-off place, but a wonderful second half saw them snatch a point. In their first attack of the match City allowed Paulton’s Ben Cleverly a free run up the flank and he beat Andrew Smallpiece at the far post with an angled shot.

City came back almost immediately when James O’Keeffe flicked the ball on for Brett Williams to power just over the bar. Paulton’s second goal had an element of luck in the 23rd minute. A clearance was skied and Josh Jefferies in trying to execute a bicycle kick, mishit the ball which wrong footed Smallpiece and the shot rolled across the line. Paulton’s continued to press and Samllpiece saved well from a deflected free kick and then made another good save from another free kick. Back from a long period of injury Sam Lockyer played in an unfamiliar full-back role but nevertheless put in a great performance as the defence came under pressure. As usual Matt Bowler and James Wilson proved the mainstay of the defence and hardly put a foot wrong all afternoon.

Gradually City came back into the game with Adam George and Steve Llewelyn working hard in midfield, creating openings. Dave Allen put a perfect across into the box but unfortunately there was no-one to connect. Williams went on a penetrating run and did well to hold the ball whilst under pressure but the keeper managed to put him off and his shot was smothered. Andy Jacob worked the flank but his cross was cut out by the keeper.

A mistake by James Eyles, when he lost the ball, fortunately turned out well as O’Keeffe picked it up and set up Williams to head home in the 42nd minute. Richard Gregory replaced Jacob at the start of the second half and his experience paid dividends with shots and several good passes. It was Paultons, however, who started the stronger and again Smallpiece came to the rescue with a one-handed save from another free kick.

City’s first attack of the half saw George collect the ball advance on goal and send Williams away. He chested the ball down but the keeper blocked any further progress. It was then Williams who created the next opening and O’Keeffe who put his shot over the bar. Allen created a chance for George which the keeper saved well and then George put in a long-range shot which was saved.

In the 75th minute Eyles came off to be replaced by Tom Riddell and the young striker added a bit more pace to the attack as City pressed for the equaliser. With time running out the breakthrough came in the 88th minute. Williams worked his way into the box and had a powerful shot blocked but the ball ran to him and he put in another through a crowd of players only to see this again catching a foot but it was not cleared and Llewelyn got the last touch through a tangle of legs.

City nearly snatched the win at the death when Williams passed to Riddell and he put in a goal-worthy shot which the keeper did well to save.

City : Andrew Smallpiece, James Wilson, Sam Lockyer, Matt Bowler, Adam George, Steve Llewelyn, James Eyles, David Allen, Brett Williams, James O’keeffe, Andy Jacob, Substitutes: Adam Grey, Clint Davies, Richard Gregory (46th), Liam Gilbert and Tom Riddell (75th).

City have two more games to complete their season. This Saturday they are away to Hillingdon Borough and home to Newport on Saturday 26th April. Immedaitely after this match the Club will hold its presentation evening when it is hoped supporters will join the players in the Club house to celebrate a successful season.