Second half fightback stuns promotion chasers

Dec 15 2009 By Chris Slavin, Uxbridge Gazette

ZAMARETTO LEAGUE SOUTH AND WEST Paulton Rovers 1 Uxbridge 3

THREE goals in 23 second-half minutes turned defeat into an impressive victory for Uxbridge at promotion-chasing Paulton Rovers on Saturday.

Gloucestershire side Paulton, who reached the first round of the FA Cup this season before succumbing to Norwich City, were left stunned by a superb second-half fightback from the visitors after the hosts had grabbed the lead through Chris Lane.

Uxbridge manager Tony Choules handed debuts to new signings Kobi Degraff-Johnson from Aylesbury United and Chris Cox from Hillingdon Borough in a much-changed line-up because of injury.

But the new-look side showed its threat in the first-half with Lee Tunnell having decent claims for a penalty turned down and Kevin Warner shooting just wide.

Though Lane put the hosts ahead after Uxbridge goalkeeper Michael Watkins saved with his feet from Josh Jefferies, Paulton failed to kill off the visitors and they came out firing in the second half.

Uxbridge were rewarded for an improved second-half showing when Wayne Carter headed home Jack Smillie's cross in the 61st minute.

Dave Sargent then turned the match on its head with an assured finish, before Lee Tunnell crowned a great performance by taking advantage of a mistake by Paulton goalkeeper Kyle Phillips seven minutes from time.

UXBRIDGE Reserves won 4-1 at Bedfont Green with goals from Richard Frape, Martyn Fletcher, Mark Sargeant and Alden Trenholme.