Southern League

South & West Division

Cinderford Town 3

Paulton Rovers 1

THE quality of Town's new signings shone through as Cinderford chalked up a deserved win on the opening day of the season.

Admittedly, Paulton had two men sent off – including former Cinderford striker Kris Miller – but they were already 2-0 down by the time James Billing was dismissed for elbowing Andy Lewis.

David Bird and Geraint Bater were key men in the centre of midfield, doing the simple things effectively. They made tackles, blocked shots, linked play and got Town's more explosive players, such as Lee Smith and Matt Barnes into the game.

It was Lewis Sommers who fired Town into a 15th minute lead. The giant centre-forward slipped onto a short Bater through-ball as the Paulton defence appealed for offside and buried a shot past Kyle Phillips.

Sommers went close to scoring again five minutes later, turning his marker and forcing a smart low save from Phillips.

Town's second goal came from the lively Lee Smith, who finished off a good move with a skilful clip over the keeper.

The first half ended with a number of feisty tackles following the dismissal of Billing.

Paulton felt hard done by, claiming the striker had used his arms for leverage to jump, rather than try and hurt Lewis.

A man down, Paulton took the game to Cinderford in the second half and caused them problems. Poor marking at a corner allowed the unmarked Brice to pull a goal back at the far post.

Cinderford regained their composure and began to pass the ball much better.

When Miller got a second caution for tripping Barnes the game was up for Rovers.

Left-back Matt Smith made sure of that, squeezing a shot from the edge of the box past bodies into the hidden corner of the Paulton net.

Cinderford Town: Ben John, Warren Archer, Matt Smith, Dan Harrison, Andy Lewis, Dave Bird, Matt Barnes, Geraint Bater (captain), Dale Evans, Lewis Sommers, Lee Smith. Subs used: Nick Hancock, Scott Wilson, Greg Lewis. Not used: Dean Lee, Craig Tait.