Robins off to a winning start in 2022

Sat. 1st Jan. Southern League Div. One Paulton Rovers 0 Frome Town 2

Frome began the New Year with a bang as a goal in either half secured a deserved win away at local rivals Paulton Rovers.

James Ollis set up Kane Simpson to score in the first half before slotting home from a Jon Davies pass in the dying moments to secure the victory.

A composed first half performance looked as though it may end without Frome getting the goal they deserved after first Davies and then Simpson could not finish their chances when well positioned in the Paulton six-yard box.

However, the goal did arrive just after the half-hour mark when Ollis regained possession in the opposition half picking out Simpson with the perfect pass, and the Robins’ top-scorer slotted home from just inside the box.

Both Ollis and Davies passed up decent chances to extend the lead before the interval, but manager Danny Greaves could have no complaints with how his team performed in the opening 45 minutes.

The home side looked more threatening after the interval, but Frome defended well as a team and rarely left James Carey exposed between the sticks.

Having conceded six goals across their last two competitive matches, the Robins were back at their resolute best at Winterfield Road, limiting top-scorer in the Southern League Division One South Leighton Thomas to just a collection of half-chances before he was forced off through injury midway through the second half.

Paulton had a succession of corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas in the second 45, but on the rare occasion Warren Maidment was unable to get his head on to a ball into the box, a Frome body was on hand to block any efforts on goal.

Rovers cranked up the pressure even further in the final 10 minutes, and after Robins’ skipper Sam Teale was forced off through injury, lively attacker Liban Ibrahim began to exert a greater influence.

However, Carey was able to keep out Paulton’s best chance of the afternoon as Ibrahim shot from inside the box, and moments later the game had been wrapped up at the other end of the field.

Rex Mannings won back possession with an excellent sliding challenge and released Davies who drove forward before picking out Ollis to slot home confidently as Paulton ‘keeper Aaron Sainsbury came out to close him down.

The goal sparked jubilant scenes among the travelling fans behind the goal, as it ensured the league leader’s winless run would not extend to a third game.

Frome now have a two-week break before they take on Cirencester Town at Badgers Hill on 15th January.