Jewson/Hellenic High-flying Paulton in a ‘very positive place’, says manager Baggs

IERAN Baggs claims Paulton Rovers are in a “very positive place” as they strive to keep their playoff chances flourishing at the expense of St Austell’s winless strugglers tomorrow.

- Simon PARKINSON

Cribbs manager, Jack Harding-Dancy gives instructions to his side

The sides could hardly meet with more contrasting fortunes behind them: Rovers are fourth on the Jewson Premier Division ladder with 11 wins, four draws and four losses from their 19 outings thus far.

Their Cornish guests, meanwhile, have yet to pocket so much as a point, a goal difference of minus 103 amply displaying the enormity of their difficulties to date after securing an admirable mid-table finish last season.

In mid-November, St Austell withdrew from their scheduled away encounter with Clevedon Town after being unable to raise a side.

Paulton supremo Baggs, however, is on red alert ahead of the fixture, as he pointed out: “Although I’m fully aware of St Austell’s struggles, they've just named a new management team (Rob Astin and Stu Mitchinson) and a string of new signings.

“We'll be up against the unknown and possibly unexpected, but I nevertheless expect our own boys to turn in a strong and professional performance to get the job done.”

The Winterfield Road leader reflected: “We had just gone through a tough spell of fixtures ourselves when we hit a run of seven straight league wins and conceded only three goals.

“We then had a two-week break and, however hard we tried, it seemed to affect our momentum.

“On our return we had something of a reality check in losing 2-1 at home to Helston when we looked rusty, despite turning in a decent enough display.

“But we followed it up with a decent 2-2 draw at Bridgwater and went on to beat St Blazey 5-1 at home, before getting another useful point from a 1-1 draw at a strong Saltash side in our last game.

“I like the fact that at the midway point of the season we've conceded the joint fewest goals - 18 - alongside the leaders Clevedon, and we've already scored 40 times, one of the best records in our division.”