BEDFONT GREEN 1 PAULTON ROVERS: Paulton Rovers continued their climb up the Southern League South & West Division One table with a hard-fought victory at Bedfont Green.

They could move even higher if they can win tonight's home clash against local rivals Yate Town, when they will be strengthened by the return of midfielder Kane Ingram and defender Rob Cousins.

Against Bedfont, Paulton started strongly and were unlucky not to take an early lead when central defender Ollie Price saw his downward header bounce up to strike the underside of the crossbar.

Chris Lane then saw his effort hit the woodwork before being scrambled away.

The Paulton pressure finally paid off when they took a 35th-minute lead after Charlie Rich created the opening for skipper Dan Cleverley to score with a header.

However, Paulton needed a fine save from goalkeeper Kyle Phillips to deny Bedfont's Craig White an equaliser soon afterwards.

Five minutes into the second half, though, Bedfont equalised through Chris Henry.

Lane went close to restoring the Paulton lead before substitute Ashley Caldwell struck with an 80th-minute volley to give his side a victory.

The one downside for Paulton was the departure of Cleverley, who limped out of the game in the second half and may miss tonight's derby.