We’ve hit September and the Acorns prepare for just their second Southern League Div One South fixture of the season, as we take a trip to one of the newly promoted sides Paulton Rovers on Saturday.
The Acorns will be looking to kick on from last Saturday’s impressive 4-1 win over Exmouth Town in the FA Trophy and pick up our first three points of the season.
Ahead of our trip to Somerset, here is everything you need to know about our opposition.
THE OPPONENTS – PAULTON ROVERS
STADIUM – The Winterfield Stadium
NICKNAME – The Rovers
FOUNDED – 1881
MANAGER – John Rendall
LEAGUE POSITION – 21st
FORM GUIDE – L-L-L-L
PLAY-OFF JOY
Paulton secured passage to step four after a convincing play-off campaign in the Jewson Western League, following a third placed finish and finishing just two points off the title.
Rovers took down one of the favourites last season, Clevedon Town 3-1 at Winterfield’s before running out 4-2 winners over Sidmouth Town.
That victory over Sidmouth saw Rovers return to the Southern League Div One South after just two years away from the division.
LIFE BACK IN THE LEAGUE
During their latest season in the Southern League, back in 2023-24, Rovers suffered relegation after finishing at the foot of the table.
On their return to the league this year, it’s been a challenging start to life with Rovers yet to taste victory in any of the opening four games.
Defeats in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, surrounded by league defeats to Dorchester Town and Swindon Supermarine sees Rovers sitting in the bottom four during these early stages of the season.
Dylan Gould has Rovers’ only goal in the league so far this season, when he struck during a 3-1 defeat to Supermarine, last time out.
IN THE DUGOUT – JOHN RENDELL
John Rendell took the helm at Paulton in 2017 after departing Yate Town, returning the club where he spent the majority of his playing career, as a goalkeeper.
PLAYER TO WATCH – BRANDON BAK
Brandon Bak originally joined on loan from Weston-Super-Mare in March, helping Rovers secure their promotion back to step four.
Bak featured in eight games last campaign and scored an impressive nine goals for the club.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Bristol City before moving to Weston permanently in 2025.
Whilst with Weston, the forward spent most of the time on loan at clubs such as, Taunton Town, Willand Rovers, Bristol Manor Farm and Mangostfield United.
RECENT FORM
08.08.26 – Paulton Rovers 1-3 Fleetlands (FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round)
11.08.26 – Dorchester Town 0-2 Paulton Rovers (Southern League Div One South)
15.08.26 – Paulton Rovers 0-2 Slimbridge AFC (FA Trophy Preliminary Round)
31.08.26 – Swindon Supermarine 3-1 Paulton Rovers (Southern League Div One South)
