MATCH REPORT: Melksham Town 0 Paulton Rovers 2
Goals in the opening quarter from Brandon Barnes and Dean Evans fired Paulton Rovers to victory in a lively pre-season friendly at Toolstation League club Melksham Town on Friday.
Rovers were dominant from the off and just four minutes had gone when a neat move involving Kieran Baggs, Mike Bryant and Jon Davies ended with Barnes driving his shot past home keeper Tom Drewitt.
It was all Rovers as youngster Tyson Pollard brought a fine save from Drewitt and Evans twice drove wide.
However, he was on target in the 21st minute to make it 2-0 after picking up a loose ball and rifling home.
Town responded well, with centre-forward Nick Rideout proving a handful, and he drew a mistake from the otherwise solid Ryan Batten but the defender recovered brilliantly to thwart the big striker.
The second period started with more of the same from the visitors but Town - managed by former Rovers boss Darren Perrin - gradually eased their way into the game.
They were inspired by Mike Perrott, who will be on dual forms with both clubs this season after having problems committing to Southern League Premier Division football with promoted Rovers because of the increased travelling.
Dave Thompson brought a block from visiting keeper Kyle Phillips, who also dived to his left to brilliantly save a Perrott penalty after Batten fouled Ash Bennett.
Phillips also twice saved from substitute Dan Kovacs and Rideout's shot was blocked by Batten as Rovers protected the clean sheet.
At the other end, Davies - who was working tirelessly up front - fired narrowly over the bar after being played in by substitute Callum Hnder, another product of Rovers' youth team.
Then Davies passed to another sub, Billy Vaughan, whose neat delicate chip narrowly went over the bar.
Paulton's next friendlies are on Monday at Larkhall Athleic and on Wednesday at Shepton Mallett (both 7.30pm). The latter is a testimonial for Lee Byant, who played for both sides as well as Welton Rovers and Radstock Town.
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