Woodwork denies Town four times during loss

CIRENCESTER struck the woodwork four times as they fell 4-2 at home to new Southern League Division One South leaders Paulton Rovers.

A two goal burst early in the second half took the game out of Cirencester’s reach after they started well and Aidan Bennett struck both posts within two minutes – the second of which eventually reached Ollie Artwell who blasted it into the top right corner.

Within minutes Paulton were surprisingly awarded a free kick and Cameron Shorney’s strike clipped the top of the wall en-route to the back of the net.

After the interval Paulton took the lead when David Sims-burgess broke free to tuck the ball past an advancing Lewis Clayton and five minutes later Ben Bament doubled their lead.

As Cirencester pushed forward to get back into the game they left gaps and suffered another setback when Ed Butcher gave his side a 4-1 cushion.

During the final 15 minutes Jack Freeman struck the bar, Levi Irving and Alan Griffin headed wide of the target and Will Christopher’s fierce drive was saved by Joe Perry.

In added-time Alan Griffin converted a penalty to reduce the margin of defeat.

On Tuesday, Cirencester drew 0-0 at Moneyfields, while goalkeeper Andy Hannah saved a last-miniute penalty as Cinderford Town resisted Evesham’s comeback to win 4-3 at The Causeway.

James Harding put Cinderford ahead and after Evesham equalised through Matt Dodd, Craig Norman, Ethan Moore and Andy Lewis gave the Foresters a 4-1 lead.

Evesham pulled back to 4-3 thanks to Paul Sullivan and Lee Chilton. They had a chance to earn a point before Hannah’s heroics denied them as he saved Chilton’s penalty and blocked the rebound. Evesham had 4-0 win over Mangotsfield on Saturday, Chilton hitting a hat-trick.

His first came from a third-minute penalty and he added a second after 24 minutes from close range.

Ryan Paddock netted the third five minutes before half-time, and Evesham were reduced to 10 ment when Jack Cresswell was dismissed.

But they sealed the win five minutes into the second half with Chilton’s third goal.