A depleted North Leigh slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Paulton Rovers on a bumpy pitch in Evo-Stik Hellenic League Division 1 South & West on Saturday.

It now means the Millers, who were missing Tom Franklin and Kieran Sanders, who was unable to come off the bench, have won just once in their last six games.

John Mills twice shot wide for the visitors, while Zak Westlake’s effort hit the side-netting, before Paulton took the lead in the 43rd minute.

Left-winger Brandon Barnes took a pass inside the box, and despite vehement offside protests, took the ball on and lifted a shot from five yards over keeper Sam Warrell.

The Millers were hit by a fluke goal after 48 minutes when right-winger Craig Loxton was closed down into the corner by Stuart Hole, hit a high and hopeful cross off his shin.

The ball spun and looped over Warrell to land in the far corner of the net.

Paulton’s third goal came from a breakaway, with Barnes slotting past a helpless Warrell.

Conor McDonagh replied for North Leigh a minute later when, after a storming run, he beat a defender and shot hard and low into the far corner of the net.

On Saturday, North Leigh host Wimborne Town at Eyn-sham Park.

North Leigh: Warrell, Turk, Caton, Clark, Westlake, Hole, Walcott (Bowles 55), Alexis (Sadler 76), Mills (Brooks 62), McDonagh, Else. Sub not used: Sanders.

Attendance: 97.