Thatcham Town 2 Paulton Rovers 0: Paulton got their bid for a place in the end of season play-offs back on course with a deserved victory at Thatcham, which took them into sixth and gave them revenge for a recent FA Trophy defeat.

Rovers dominated against a Thatcham side who were looking for their sixth successive victory but were never in the game and were saved from a heavier defeat by a fine display from keeper Sean Mapson.

With Ben Cleverley in form, Paulton took charge of the midfield battle from the start and the home side were forced back on the defensive with Mapson quickly in action to save well from Jon Beswetherick and Jon French.

Paulton went ahead after 21 minutes when a quick throw-in caught the home side out and Ben Cleverley's cross to the near post was brilliantly headed home by striker Dave Burborough.

Ben Cleverley was also involved in their second goal, after 33 minutes, when his long-throw was headed on by Robbie Claridge for Chris Lane to score from close range.

Dan Cleverley went close to extending the lead with a first-time volley, when his long throw in was headed on at the near post by Robbie Claridge to set up Chris Lane at the back post who gave Mapsom no chance from close range.

Then a good break from defence by Steve Tovey down the right opened up the home defence and his cross found skipper Dan Cleverley, whose first time volley was just of-target.

Just before half-time the home side suffered a blow when skipper Sam Rea was stretchered off.

Ten minutes into the second half Ben Cleverley's through ball released Claridge, who ran on to beat Mapson, only to have the goal disallowed for offside. Burborough then set up Tovey, whose goalbound shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Ben Cleverley's corner then set up Claridge, whose shot was blocked, and Burborough was denied by a fine save by Mapson after Claridge had headed on a long clearance from goalkeeper Kyle Phillips.