Paulton go down to Marine

After the brilliant victory on Thursday night at Cinderford, Paulton Rovers were undone by a goal in either half leading to a third consecutive defeat at home.

Rovers should have been ahead inside just 2 minutes when Josh Cann whipped in an inch perfect cross to the unmarked Omar Simpson who headed over from 6 yards out. The home side were made to pay for that miss just 6 minutes later when the unmarked Matt Coupe headed home from a Marine free-kick.

In a lively start to the game, Referee Dale Wootton waved away Rovers' serious penalty claims in the 10th minute when striker Jack Ball was dragged to the ground but then 1 minute later Wootton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot for a clear handball by the Marine defender.

Dale Evans stepped up but Marine keeper Josh Hill got down well to his left to palm the penalty against the post and out to safety.

On a heavy pitch chances were few and far between and it was Marine who grabbed a second in the 75th minute when substitute Aaaron Woodley's sliced cross floated over everyone hitting the inside of the post before going over the the goal line.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Rovers who pushed forward trying to get back in the game but the Marine defence stood firm to take a vital 3 points home in their quest for promotion.