RED INSURE CUP: Perrin's up for the cup (From Wiltshire Times)

RED INSURE CUP: Perrin's up for the cup

1:00pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport News By Dan Barnes

DARREN Perrin is hoping his Frome Town side have taken another step towards a cup final after they got past rivals Paulton Rovers to reach the quarter-finals of the Red Insure Cup on Wednesday night.

The Robins, who are also in the last eight of the Somerset Premier Cup, fell behind to James Billings’ goal but a late wonder-strike by Martin Johnson forced extra-time.

Paulton regained the lead through Marcus Mapstone but Josh Brigham bundled home a second equaliser before firing home the winner from the penalty spot after Claudio Herbert was brought down.

“Our main aim this season is to stay in our league and I’m confident that we’ll do that,” said Perrin.

“So we’re now in the quarter-finals of two competitions and getting to a cup final this season would be a massive achievement for a club of our size – we’d love to do it.”

On Saturday, Frome were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Bashley.

Dave Gilroy put the Robins ahead but when Tom Evans fouled the visitors’ Rob Gradwin in the box, Mark Gamble netted the equaliser from the penalty spot.

Winger Aaron Ledgister made his last appearance for the club against Bashley and is expected to join Toolstation League Calne Town after agreeing to leave Frome.

But Perrin has now bolstered his squad with the signing of striker Lloyd Matthews.

The youngster had a spell with Frome on work experience terms from Yeovil Town last season and has most recently been playing in America.

Meanwhile, the Robins’ 90-day challenge to spend the £50,000 they won in a Football Pools competition on improving their ground began on Monday.

The club plan to replace wooden seats in the main stand at Badgers Hill, improve lighting within their clubhouse, build a larger kitchen area, renovate toilet areas and improve fencing at the ground.