The Peacocks hit back from a two goal deficit to draw 2-2 at Paulton Rovers in the Evo-Stik League yesterday evening (6th February).
The result maintains Town’s unbeaten record away from home this season and was testament to the spirit of a side which were not at their best in a game played in very testing conditions. The hosts made a bright start and took the lead after just six minutes when Josh Morgan-Williams was brought down in the area and Dale Evans scored the resultant penalty. Another former Peacock Omar Simpson then volleyed home a second goal for Paulton after 12 minutes, leaving Town with it all to do especially after a couple of great chances went begging. Town were on top playing down the slope in the second half and eventually pulled a goal back on 73 minutes when Keith Emmerson who had been pushed up front netted with a deflected left foot shot from 20 yards. Emmerson then equalised two minutes later, firing home at the far post after Shane White’s mishit shot had rebounded off a defender to him. Despite constant pressure towards the end Town were unable to chisel out a winner but their point saw them extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points after Salisbury lost at Didcot.
Reaction | Manager Leigh Robinson observed: “A good point gained in very tricky conditions tonight and another brilliant comeback. These lads really do not know when they’re beaten and their ability to fight to the end is magnificent as shown again tonight. We started badly particularly defensively and Paulton came out of the traps really fast and made things difficult for us. We gradually grew into the game and missed a couple of good chances in the first half that could have turned the game fully in our favour but playing down the slope second half we knew it would be a different game. Fair play to Keith, normally when you throw a centre back up front whilst chasing a game you are expecting them to score by perhaps getting on the end of headers but he showed how capable he is on the floor too with two good finishes to earn us a deserved point in a blood and guts game.”