MATCH REPORTS 2009/10

Click here for match reports from Tuesday 29th September onwards

Click here for match reports from Tuesday 17th November onwards

Saturday 18th July - Pre Season Friendly - Mangotsfield United 0 Dagenham and Redbridge 3

Line up: 1. Tony Court, 2. Neil Arndale, 3. Matt Knapman (57'), 4. Geraint Bater (62'), 5. Scott Hendy (46'), 6. Rob Scott (62'), 7. Daine O'Connor (46'), 8. Lee Collier (46'), 9. Martin Paul (46'), 10. Tom Knighton (62'), 11. Kyle Tooze, 12. Rob Moore (46'), 14. Luke Prosser (46'), 15. Mitchell Page (46'), 16. James Pilling (46'), 17. Matt Maynard (57'), 18. Conor Britton (62'), 19. Ryan Bennett (62'), 20. Callum Gardiner (62').

Saturday 25th July - Pre season friendly - Mangotsfield United 6 Roman Glass St. George 0

After having the previous two fixtures postponed a Mangotsfield United side missing the services of Scott Hendy (thigh), Tom Knighton (appendicitis) and Martin Paul (illness) returned to pre season action with a comprehensive win against their Toolstation League Division One opponents.

In a match dominated by the hosts Mangotsfield went close inside seven minutes when Matt Knapman showed good determination to latch onto a through ball on the left where after looking up he lobbed the ball over the advancing Mark O'Connell only for his effort to go wide of the far post.

Minutes later Geraint Bater combined with Lee Collier in central midfield with Collier picking out the unmarked Luke Prosser on the edge of the Roman Glass penalty area where with time to pick his spot he guided the ball into the bottom right corner to give Mangotsfield a fourteenth minute lead.

The lead was doubled inside three minutes through Geraint Bater who after receiving the ball thirty yards from goal, in the inside left channel drilled the ball over O'Connell and into the roof of the net. Further chances during the first half fell to Kyle Tooze who was denied by O'Connell and Luke Prosser who should have done better when directing a free header over the bar from eight yards out.

Despite making four changes during the second half Mangotsfield added four more goals, three coming in an eight minute spell. With seven minutes of the second half played Mangotsfield were awarded a spot kick after Luke Prosser was adjudged to have been fouled when challenging for a cross from the right. Neil Arndale stepped up to drill the resultant penalty low into the right corner.

Mangotsfield went four goals up on fifty nine minutes after good work on the right saw Daine O'Connor skip past one challenge before pulling the ball back to Kyle Tooze who was denied by O'Connell but with the ball rebounding to Luke Prosser the former Newport County player added the finish from close range. Prosser completed his hat trick on sixty minutes when confidently lobbing the stranded O'Connell from wide on the left flank.

Tony Court who had previously been a spectator was called into action twice inside four minutes making fine saves to deny turn a David Doe strike over the bar and then deny Ian Power when saving low down to his left.

With eight minutes remaining the scoring was completed when Conor Britton found Daine O'Connor whose pace took him clear of the Roman Glass defence only for his initial shot to be blocked by O'Connell but with the ball falling kindly O'Connor followed up to score from a tight angle.

Line up: 1. Tony Court, 2. Neil Arndale, 3. Matt Knapman, 4. Rob Scott, 5. Ryan Bennett, 6. Andy Criddle (46'), 7. Geraint Barer, 8. Lee Collier (61'), 9. Luke Prosser, 10. Mitchell Page (46'), 11. Kyle Tooze (61'), 12. Daine O'Connor (46'), 14. Rob Taylor(61'), 15. James Pilling (46'), 16. Matt Brown(61'), 17. Conor Britton(61'), 18. Sam Alexander

Tuesday 28th July - Pre season friendly - Bitton 2 Mangotsfield United 1

Mangotsfield United slipped to a disappointing defeat after a lacklustre showing at The Recreation Ground. Despite going close twice early on through Kyle Tooze who tested John Rendell with a powerful drive from thirty yards and Martin Paul whose drive from the right edge of the area was saved low down Mangotsfield soon lost their way.

Andy Black's new look side showed their intent when twice going close in the space of five minutes with one strike being saved low down by Tony Court whilst another effort from the left edge of the area was turned behind.

The hosts took the lead on seventeen minutes through a Michael Meaker penalty awarded after Rob Scott hauled down the former Bristol Rovers player. Mangotsfield went close to levelling when a quickly taken free kick from wide on the left saw Lee Collier find the unmarked Geraint Bater whose strike from just outside the left edge of the area was palmed away by John Rendell.

Meaker, who was a constant threat throughout the first half almost added a second on thirty two minutes when after latching onto a through ball he shrugged off a couple of challenges before hitting the top of the net with a strike from twenty yards.

The final action of the half saw Bitton denied what would have been a deserved second when a free kick from ten yards inside the Mangotsfield half was met by central defender Steve Jones whose goalbound header was palmed away by Tony Court but with the ball being returned into the penalty area the woodwork was struck before the ball was hacked clear off the line.

For the opening fifteen minutes of the second half Bitton remained on top, increasing their lead on forty six minutes after Andy Criddle brought down Michael Meaker who stepped up himself to convert the resultant spot kick.

As the half progressed Mangotsfield began to threaten, on sixty six minutes Lee Collier's low corner from the right was met by Martin Paul whose close range effort was blocked on the line but with second half substitute Luke Prosser on hand he applied the finish from inside the six yard box.

Prosser went close ten minutes later and once again it was Collier who was the provider whipping in a free kick from the right which Prosser met only for his header to go back across goal and just wide of the right hand upright.

Martin Paul, who was returning to the side after missing Saturday's win over Roman Glass through illness brought a fine save out of John Rendell who saved Paul's snapshot from the left side of the penalty area low down at the foot of his right hand upright.

Moments later Tony Court was called into action when making a fine double save to keep Mangotsfield's hopes of a second half comeback alive. The first chance came after the Mangotsfield rearguard failed to deal with a cross from the right and with the loose ball being drilled goalwards Court made a reaction save when blocking the initial effort and then made a second save when turning over the follow up strike.

With the match inside the final ten minutes a chance to draw level went begging after a quickly taken free kick from wide was worked to Luke Prosser who laid the ball off to strike partner Martin Paul who despite having time failed to hit the target from the left side of the penalty area.

Line up: 1. Tony Court, 2. Neil Arndale (87'), 3. Matt Knapman, 4. Geraint Bater (78'), 5, Rob Scott, 6. Ryan Bennett (46'), 7. Daine O'Connor (46'), 8. Lee Collier (78'), 9. Mitchell Page, 10. Martin Paul, 11. Kyle Tooze (49', 50'), 12. Luke Prosser (46'), 14. Andy Criddle (46'), 15. Rob Taylor (78'), 16. Matt Brown (50'), 17. Conor Britton (87'), 18. James Pilling (78')

Friday 31st July - Pre season friendly - Mangotsfield United 0 Stoke City XI 4

Despite the scoreline against a Stoke City side which featured several players with Premiership experience Mangotsfield United were far from embarrassed. The hosts could have taken the lead inside the opening minute when Lee Collier's through ball was latched onto by Daine O'Connor who lifted the ball over Steve Simonsen only for the covering Andy Griffin to intercept to prevent Mangotsfield from taking a shock lead.

Stoke began to show their class creating a number of chances, on ten minutes Tony Court was called into action when forcing Matthew Lund wide of goal before smothering the midfielder's effort and turning the ball behind for a corner and nine minutes later Louis Moult went close with a drive from twenty five yards which flashed just over.

After dominating possession Stoke took the lead on twenty four minutes through the impressive Ben Marshall who after receiving the ball in a central position made ground across the face of the penalty area before drilling in a low shot just inside Tony Court's left hand upright.

The visitors were given a scare on the half hour mark when an error in the Stoke City defence saw Daine O'Connor find Luke Prosser on the left edge of the penalty area where after looking up his curling strike went just wide of the far post.

Moments later Stoke City's Tom Soares had time and space to pick out the unmarked Andy Wilkinson whose first time shot was turned behind by Tony Court. Moments later Court was beaten by Wilkinson only for the full backs effort to cannon off the foot of the right hand upright.

With half time approaching 'The Potters' doubled their lead when a low ball in from the left was met by Matthew Lund who arrived unmarked to side foot home at the near post. The final action of the half saw Mangotsfield go close when a Lee Collier free kick from the left was flicked on by Martin Paul but just wide of the far post.

Five minutes into the second half Stoke went close to adding a third through Matthew Lund whose glancing near post header from a right sided corner was cleared off the line by Daine O'Connor. Not to be denied the third goal came nine minutes later as trialist Joel Padeola latched onto a through ball to lift the ball over Tony Court into the roof of the net from eighteen yards out despite the attentions of both Scott Hendy and Ryan Bennett.

Ben Marshall added his second and Stoke City's fourth midway through the second half after Tom Soares skipped past Ryan Bennett before picking out Marshall who despite Tony Court's best efforts headed home from close range.

In the final ten minutes substitute goalkeeper Sam Alexander made a string of saves. In the eighty third minute Andy Wilkinson's surging run took him into the Mangotsfield penalty area where his low shot was parried by Alexander and with the ball breaking to the edge of the area for Andy Nicholls he was also denied as Alexander turned the follow up effort over the bar.

Minutes later Alexander did well when advancing off his line to palm and then claim Tom Soares attempted lob.

Line up: 1. Tony Court (82'), 2. Neil Arndale (87'), 3. Matt Knapman, 4. Geraint Bater (72'), 5. Scott Hendy, 6. Rob Scott, 7. Ryan Bennett (72'), 8. Lee Collier (82'), 9. Luke Prosser (58'), 10. Daine O'Connor, 11. Martin Paul (64), subs: 12, Kyle Tooze (64'), 14. Mitchell Page (58'), 15. Rob Taylor (82'), 16. James Pilling (72'), 17. Andy Criddle (72'), 18. Connor Britton(87'), 19. Sam Alexander (82').

Stoke City Line up: 1. Steve Simonsen (77'), Andy Wilkinson, 3. Andy Griffin, 4. Matthew Lund, 5. Ibrahima Sonko, 6. Rodney McDonald, 7. Tom Soares 8. Amdy Feye (72'), 9. Joel Padeola (63'), 10. Louis Moult (77'), Ben Matshall, 12. Tom Unwin (63'), 14 Dave Parton (77'), 15. Ryan Connor (72'), 16. Andy Nicholls, 17. Danny Stockhall (77').

Tuesday 4th August - Pre season friendly - Almondsbury Town 1 Mangotsfield United 2

Despite rain throughout the day the match at Oaklands Park went ahead on a playing surface which was a credit to the Almondsbury Town groundsman. Mangotsfield included trialist Mike Trought who played alongside Scott Hendy and Rob Scott in a three man central defence.

A poor start to a match in which both Scott Hendy and Geraint Bater were to leave the pitch with ankle injuries saw Mangotsfield almost go behind inside a couple of minutes after a corner from the right wasn't cleared and with the ball being lifted back into the penalty area Tony Court had to be alert to turn a close range header over the bar.

The home side took the lead on the eleven minute mark and once again it was Mangotsfield's inability to clear their lines which led to the goal. After being awarded a free kick just inside the Almondsbury half the ball was delivered to the edge of the penalty area where the threat was only half cleared, allowing a low strike from twenty five yards which beat the motionless Tony Court who appeared to have been unsighted.

Within a minute Almondsbury went close to adding a second when a move down the Mangotsfield right saw the ball worked into the penalty area where Tony Court saved low down at the foot of his near post.

Mangotsfield had to wait until the fifteenth minute to record a notable chance, this coming from a Lee Collier corner from the left which Mitchell Page met with a goalbound header which was blocked inside the six yard box. Page went close three minutes later after finding space on the right where his strike from the right edge of the area was saved by keeper Ben John at the near post.

With what was to be Almondsbury's last chance of the half on twenty five minutes, Kane Ingram tested Tony Court with a free kick from thirty yards out which forced Court into a full length save low down to his left.

The final fifteen minutes of the half saw Mangotsfield create a number of chances. On thirty three minutes a break down the Almondsbury left saw Kyle Tooze make ground before finding Mitchell Page who cut inside to drill in a low shot to the near post.

Minutes later Mangotsfield were level after a cross from the right broke to Matt Knapman who wasted little time in returning the ball into the heart of the area where Mitchell Page headed the ball on for Luke Prosser who arrived late at the back post to volley high into the roof of the net.

On forty two minutes a crossfield ball from left to right picked out Neil Arndale who after coming inside and switching the ball onto his left foot was denied as goalkeeper Ben John palmed his effort over the bar for a corner.

After an uneventful opening to the second half it was the hosts who created the first chance on seventy minutes when substitute Sahr Kabba's cross from the left was headed goalwards bringing a fine reaction save out of Tony Court.

Almondsbury went close to re taking the lead on eighty three minutes when presented with a chance from just twelve yards out which was blazed harmlessly over the bar.

With just five minutes left to play Mangotsfield took the lead through substitute Daine O'Connor after a quickly taken free kick saw the ball worked wide to Neil Arndale whose cross looped up after taking a deflection to be met by O'Connor who headed home in off the right hand upright.

Mangotsfield went close to adding a third in the closing stages through substitute James Pilling who after receiving the ball in central midfield wasted little time in testing Ben John with a strike from distance which was turned behind at full stretch.

Line Up: 1. Tony Court, 2. Neil Arndale, 3. Matt Knapman, 4. Geraint Bater (68'), 5. Scott Hendy (29'), 6. Mike Trought (59'), 7. Rob Scott, 8. Lee Collier, 9. Mitchell Page (59'), 10. Luke Prosser (59'), 11. Kyle Tooze, 12. Andy Criddle (59'), 14. Martin Paul (59'), 15. James Pilling (68'), 16. Ryan Bennett (29'), 17. Daine O'Connor (59'), 18. Sam Alexander.

Friday 7th August - Pre season friendly - Mangotsfield United 0 Chippenham Town 3

Mangotsfield United's final pre season friendly ended in a three goal defeat against Zamaretto League Premier Division Chippenham Town. Mangotsfield made a bright start and competed well for the opening twenty five minutes, however for much of the remainder of the match Mangotsfield were second best.

The first chance came the way of Mangotsfield after just four minutes when Lee Collier's corner from the left was met at the far post by Luke Prosser whose effort was cleared off the line. Minutes later the visitors should have taken the lead when a quickly taken free kick opened up the Mangotsfield defence only for Sam Allison to shoot into the side netting from close range.

Midway through the Mangotsfield were awarded free kick on the just left of central on the edge of the Chippenham penalty area which Matt Knapman curled against the right hand upright with goalkeeper Chris Snoddy well beaten.

Former Mangotsfield player Lewis Powell went close for Chippenham on twenty eight minutes when getting on the end of a cross from the left to send a glancing header just wide of the far post.

Chippenham took the lead three minutes before half time despite calls for hand ball when Lewis Powell brought down a cross from the right before crossing low into the heart of the penalty area where Sam Allison reacted quickest to drill in a low strike which was turned in from close range by Shaun Benison to give the Wiltshire side a half time lead.

After an uneventful start to the second half Chippenham substitute Ben Highmore went close on fifty eight minutes after being played in on the Mangotsfield left his shot across goal flashed wide of the far post.

Highmore, who impressed throughout the second half doubled Chippenham's advantage on sixty four minutes after James Pilling lost possession inside the Chippenham half allowing a counter attack down the left which saw Highmore make ground into the left side of the penalty area where from a tight angle he guided the ball past Tony Court.

A rare chance came Mangotsfield's way on seventy two minutes when substitute Rob Taylor was picked out wide on the right where with time to look up he picked out Luke Prosser whose glancing header went wide of the left hand upright.

With two minutes remaining the visitors went close to adding a third through Ashley Williams who after being found in space thirty yards from goal took a couple of touches before drilling in a low shot which flashed just wide as Tony Court went full length down to his right.

Moments later Chippenham went three up when a shot across the face of goal was blocked and with the ball breaking kindly to substitute Jake Reid he drove the ball high into the roof of the net from the right edge of the six yard box.

Line Up: 1. Tony Court, 2. Neil Arndale, 3. Matt Knapman (34'), 4. Rob Scott, 5. Scott Hendy, 6. Mike Trought (68'), 7. James Pilling, 8. Lee Collier, 9. Daine O'Connor (46'), 10. Luke Prosser, 11. Kyle Tooze, 12. Mitchell Page (46'), 14. Ryan Bennett, 15. Rob Taylor (34'), 16. Andy Criddle (68'), 17. Sam Alexander.

Saturday 15th August - Zamaretto League South & West Division - Bedfont Green 3 Mangotsfield United 1

Mangotsfield United made a disappointing start to the new campaign with defeat at newly promoted Bedfont Green. Phil Bater's new look side which included six summer additions in the starting line up faced an uphill struggle after a poor first half showing saw Mangotsfield go in two goals down at half time. Despite pulling a goal back through Scott Hendy and an improved second half performance the hosts ran out winners when adding a third in the closing stages.

After a quiet opening Bedfont took the lead on eight minutes with their first meaningful attack which saw Billy Sentence receive the ball on the left where his low strike across goal from twenty five yards beat Tony Court to nestle in the bottom right hand corner. Mangotsfield went close to levelling on fifteen minutes when a strike from Lee Collier was parried by Bedfont Green goalkeeper Lee Pearce.

The woodwork saved Mangotsfield on the twenty minute mark when Craig White's curling effort hit the crossbar but with nobody following in on the rebound the ball was cleared to safety. Twelve minutes later Bedfont added a second after poor defending saw the ball given away with Bedfont's Russell Miner picking up the loose ball before working the ball inside to Chris Henry who applied the finish.

Bedfont should have gone in at half time three goals to the good after Scott Hendy's weak header was picked up by Chris Henry who opted to square the ball for Gavin Hart who was denied as Tony Court showed good awareness to block.

Mangotsfield enjoyed a spell of pressure during the start of the second half to force a number of corners. This early pressure paid off with the two goal deficit being reduced on fifty five minutes as Scott Hendy opened his account for the season when heading home a Matt Knapman corner at the far post.

With Mangotsfield on top further chances were created with Lee Pearce twice denying Luke Prosser, firstly when going full stretch to save Prosser's thirty yard effort and then keeping out a close range header. As Mangotsfield pressed hard for an equaliser Bedfont broke quickly through Russell Miner who made ground down the right into the penalty area from where he beat Tony Court with a low shot to wrap up the points.

Tuesday 18th August - Zamaretto League South & West Division - Mangotsfield United 2 Bridgwater Town 2

A second half fightback saw Mangotsfield United come from two goals down to earn a point at Cossham Street, this after another disappointing first half performance. Bridgwater led at half time through two goals from former Mangotsfield player, striker, Marcus Duharty who made the most of some poor defending to score twice inside five minutes. However a stunning Luke Prosser strike sparked a second half revival which was capped when Geraint Bater levelled with nine minutes remaining.

The visitors made a bright start and enjoyed the better of the early exchanges going close inside five minutes through Marcus Duharty who when unmarked met Jamie Price's right sided corner to test Tony Court with a near post volley which Court blocked with his legs.

Minutes later Bridgwater's Natt Pepperell was sent clear down the Mangotsfield left where after making ground into the right side of the penalty area his low strike was parried by Court who reacted well to block Duharty's follow up effort.

After a poor start Mangotsfield settled down and created their first chance on nine minutes when Luke Prosser was picked out wide on the left where he skipped past a challenge only for his cross to be blocked but with the balling rebounding back to Prosser his snap shot from the left of the area was saved by Sam Hutchings at the foot of his near post.

Within a minute Prosser's determination to win a ball on the edge of the Bridgwater penalty area should have been rewarded with a spot kick after the eighteen year old was hauled down but appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Bridgwater dominated the remaining thirty five minutes as Mangotsfield struggled to find any rhythm and lacked cohesion. On twenty two minutes the Somerset side took advantage of some poor defending when a move down the right saw Natt Pepperell find Jamie Price whose low cross to the near post was side footed home by Marcus Duharty.

Duharty added a second inside five minutes and once again slack defending was to blame. Jamie Price's corner from the right was met inside the six yard box by the unmarked Duharty who couldn't miss with a close range header.

Against the run of play with nine minutes of the first half left to play Mangotsfield went close to scoring when a deep cross from the right found Matt Knapman who saw his side foot volley turned behind by Hutchings.

A quiet second half came to life on fifty nine minutes courtesy of a stunning strike from Luke Prosser. The summer signing showed his eye for goal when picking the ball up on the left of midfield where he continued his run from left to right before beating Hutchings with a superbly struck effort from thirty yards which arrowed into the top right corner.

Bridgwater, who had offered little as an attacking force during the second half went close to restoring their two goal cushion when Jamie Price's low cross from the right found Ben Kirk whose back heeled effort brought a fine save out of Court who showed fine reactions to save with his feet.

A Mangotsfield side which had grown in confidence as the half progressed saw a second penalty appeal turned down on the seventy minute mark after Sam Hutchings fumbled Geraint Bater's initial strike and then appeared to push Martin Paul as he followed in on the rebound.

The woodwork saved Mangotsfield from conceding a third on seventy three minutes after Bridgwater were awarded a free kick just right of centre and thirty yards out. Natt Pepperell who had impressed during the first half stepped up and curled the free kick over the defensive wall and against the left hand angle of bar and upright as Tony Court could only look on.

In a match of eleven yellow cards it came as little surprise when a red card was eventually brandished with Bridgwater's Andy Robertson being sent from the pitch after picking up a second yellow.

With Mangotsfield going in search of an equaliser Phil Bater made a double change on seventy eight minutes with Daine O'Connor and Kyle Tooze coming on to add to the attacking options.

Mangotsfield were level within three minutes courtesy of another solo effort after Matt Knapman worked the ball inside to Geraint Bater whose surging run took him to the edge of the Bridgwater area from where he beat Hutchings with a powerfully struck shot to the goalkeepers left.

As the match entered added time Mangotsfield went close to snatching a dramatic late winner when a low cross from the right was just out of reach of the outstretched foot of Luke Prosser who was just unable to make proper contact with the ball.

Saturday 22nd August - Zamaretto League South & West Division - Mangotsfield United 2 Frome Town 0

Despite being reduced to ten men late in the first half a battling Mangotsfield United side picked up its first win of the season after two goals inside six second half minutes proved to be enough. Mangotsfield's task was made that much harder when at the end of an uninspiring first half Geraint Bater was sent off for raising his hands to Ian Kennedy. However the numerical disadvantage appeared to galvanise Mangotsfield as second half goals from Neil Arndale and substitute Tom Knighton earned the hosts a much needed win.

In a poor first half low on quality and of few chances it was the visitors who created the first opening on eleven minutes when a low cross from the right was cleared to Simeon Allison on the right edge of the area where his scuffed low shot was met by Mike Whittington whose back heel was saved low to Tony Court's left.

Despite enjoying spells of possession Mangotsfield failed to seriously test Frome Town goalkeeper Josh Payne. The 'Field were dealt a blow on forty three minutes when striker Mitchell Page fell awkwardly and was immediately substituted with a shoulder injury which later saw the player taken to hospital by ambulance.

In added time at the end of the half Mangotsfield were reduced to ten men, when after tripping Mike Whittington midfielder Geraint Bater then raised his hands catching Ian Kennedy in the face in full view of the referee who had little option but to brandish a red card which will see Bater serve a to a three match ban.

With three minutes of added time played Frome were awarded a free kick after Whittington was brought down. From the free kick in a central position Joe Gomes saw his strike curl just wide of the left hand upright.

At the start of the second half and having already used one substitute when replacing Mitchell Page with Daine O'Connor manager Phil Bater made a double substitution with James Pilling and Tom Knighton who was making his debut replacing Mike Trought and Martin Paul.

During the opening fifteen minutes Frome enjoyed long spells of possession but it took until the sixtieth minute to fashion clear cut chance which saw Craig Fullam pick out the run of captain Matt Peters with a crossfield ball from left to right which presented Peters with a one on one with Tony Court who after advancing smartly off his line blocked to divert the ball behind for a corner.

From the resulting corner Mangotsfield failed to clear a low ball into the six yard box and with the ball breaking to Peters his back heeled effort was cleared off the line. Minutes later another chance went begging, this time Alex Lapham crossed from the right to the far post for Greg Lake who headed back across goal but just out of reach of Simeon Allison who despite making contact guided the ball wide at full stretch.

After surviving a testing twenty minute period Mangotsfield made a rare foray forward midway through the half which saw Tom Knighton make ground into the left side of the Frome Town penalty area where a reckless challenge saw Shaun Percival bring down Knighton. Neil Arndale stepped up to beat Josh Payne placing the ball to the goalkeepers left.

Five minutes later Mangotsfield added a second after a counter attack saw the ball worked to the right flank to Daine O'Connor whose pinpoint cross to the back post was met by Tom Knighton who rose to head home for a goal on his

With just six minutes remaining Frome's Matt Peters wasted a glorious chance to set up a tense finish when shooting wide from close range with the goal at his mercy. In added time the visitors almost snatched a late consolation through Craig Fullam who from the left edge of the penalty area cleverly lifted the ball over Scott Hendy only to volley across the face of goal and just wide of the far post.

Monday 24th August - Zamaretto League South & West Division - Paulton Rovers 2 Mangotsfield United 2

For the fourth successive match a poor first half showing was followed by a much improved second half performance. After trailing to Dan Cleverley's first half penalty Mangotsfield dominated much of the second half to lead with twenty minutes to go after goals from Matt Knapman and James Pilling. However after drawing level through Ollie Price on seventy five minutes Paulton enjoyed a spell of late pressure as they forced a series of corners but Mangotsfield stood firm to take a share of the spoils.

During an evenly contested opening ten minutes it was the hosts who created the first chance with just a minute played after being awarded a free kick on the right edge of the penalty area after Scott Hendy was adjudged to have fouled Robbie Claridge. From the free kick Dan Cleverley tested Tony Court who turned Paulton's captains effort over the bar.

For a twenty minute spell to the half hour mark Paulton enjoyed good spells of possession but despite this rarely threatened. On thirty one minutes Mangotsfield went close to taking the lad after a flowing move saw Tom Knighton find Jack Allward wide on the left who in turn worked the ball back inside to Luke Prosser whose shot from twenty yards went just wide of Steve Perrin's left hand upright.

Paulton took the lead in controversial fashion on thirty eight minutes when Raiff Gwinnett's driven cross from the right struck the arm of Scott Hendy as he attempted to block. From the resultant spot kick Dan Cleverley beat Tony Court low to his left.

The hosts were denied a second a minute before half time when Raiff Gwinnett's cross from the right found the unmarked Dan Cleverley whose side foot volley from ten yards out forced Tony Court into a fine save as he went to his right to turn the ball around the post and behind for a corner.

With the match in added time at the end of the first half Mangotsfield could have levelled after good work down the Paulton right saw Matt Knapman's low cross low to the near post just evade both Luke Prosser and Tom Knighton.

Mangotsfield made an encouraging start to the second half and were on back on level terms eight minutes after the restart. After working Steve Perrin minutes earlier Matt Knapman opened his account for the club with a close range finish.

The equaliser owed much to James Pilling's strong run and cross from the right flank which was brought down by Tom Knighton whose initial shot was blocked by Jon Jo O'Hara but with Knapman on hand he reacted smartly to prod the ball past the advancing Perrin from ten yards out.

Within minutes of having drawn level Mangotsfield could have fallen behind had Danny Barwood shown more composure when failing to hit the target from inside the Mangotsfield penalty area as he scuffed his strike harmlessly wide.

Mangotsfield were rewarded for an impressive second half showing when taking the lead on the seventy minute mark with a stunning solo effort. After receiving the ball wide on the right James Pilling came inside making a run across the face of the penalty area skipping past a number of challenges before looking up to drill the ball past a motionless Steve Perrin and into the top left corner.

Three minutes later Pilling was denied a second when after exchanging passes with Luke Prosser his strike from the inside right channel brought a fine save out of Perrin who went low to his left.

A Paulton side which had been outplayed for much of the second half drew level on seventy nine minutes. After being awarded a free kick just inside the Mangotsfield half Rob Cousins lifted the ball deep into the Mangotsfield penalty area where Ollie Price climbed to plant a powerful header into the bottom left corner.

Mangotsfield held firm during the remaining eleven minutes of the half as late pressure saw the hosts force a number of corners. Deep into added time Mangotsfield earned two corners which came to nothing as the points were shared on an entertaining evening at Winterfield Road.

Saturday 29th August - FA Cup Preliminary Round - Mangotsfield United 2 Bracknell Town 0

Goals in each half from Tom Knighton and Kyle Tooze were enough to book Mangotsfield United a home tie against Wantage Town in the next round of The FA Cup. A workmanlike team performance saw Mangotsfield take the lead on twenty four minutes when skipper Scott Hendy headed a free kick into the path of Tom Knighton who from eight yards out looped a header over Michael Power Simpson. Despite the visitors enjoying good spells of possession Mangotsfield goalkeeper Tony Court was rarely called upon during the opening forty five minutes.

As has been the case so far this season, Mangotsfield improved markedly in the second half and despite a couple of scares were duly rewarded with a second goal on eighty minutes when a through ball sent Kyle Tooze clear who flicked the ball home from the edge of the area to confirm Mangotsfield's safe passage through to the first qualifying round in two weeks time.

Saturday 5th September - The Zamaretto League South & West Division - Mangotsfield United 0 Hungerford Town 2

Mangotsfield United suffered their first home defeat of the season as newly promoted Hungerford Town ran out comfortable winners. In what was to be a hugely disappointing ninety minutes Mangotsfield were up against it from the off when inside two minutes the visitors took the lead through Yashwa Romeo. Despite being much the better side on the day Hungerford had to wait until the seventy eighth minute to seal the points when Tom Melledew added a second to confirm the win.

A bright start to the match saw both teams create an opening inside two minutes. With less than a minute played Mangotsfield's Jack Allward switched play from left to right finding the unmarked Neil Arndale who opted for a strike from distance which Mark Scott saved low down to his left.

Moments later Hungerford were ahead when a quickly taken free kick opened up the Mangotsfield rearguard allowing Steve Cook to cross low from the right to find Yashwa Romeo who applied the finish from close range. After taking the lead The Hellenic Premier Division Champions took control of the match and should have increased their lead before half time.

Midway through the half Hungerford were denied a second when deep cross from the left was met by Gareth Thomas whose back post header looped over Tony Court only to be cleared off the line. Five minutes later Mangotsfield had another let off when James Lewis received the ball in the inside left channel where with time to pick his spot his low strike across the face of goal hit the foot of the right hand upright and with Yashwa Romeo following in on the rebound he wasted a glorious chance when failing to hit the target from close range.

During the last ten minutes of the half Mangotsfield created a couple of half chances, on thirty six minutes after a throw in on the left the ball broke to Matt Knapman whose snap shot flashed just over whilst a minute before half time Mark Scott had to be alert to deal with James Pilling's strike from twenty yards.

Things failed to improve in the second half as Mangotsfield continued to struggle. It was the visitors who created the first chance on fifty seven minutes through Steve Cook after a throw in on the left saw the ball worked to the former Clevedon and Swindon Supermarine player who found space inside the penalty area where his shot from the left went wide of the far post.

Hungerford killed the game off when adding a second with twelve minutes left to play. The goal itself was simplicity, the ball was worked wide right to James Lewis who with time to look up delivered a cross deep to the back post for the unmarked Tom Melledew who confidently side footed home a volley from eight yards out.

In what was a rare chance for Mangotsfield a move down the Hungerford right on seventy nine minutes ended with Jason Wood going close with a low drive which Mark Scott turned behind for a corner. With the match in added time Wood worked Scott for a second time with a strike from wide on the right which Scott saved at the foot of his near post.

Saturday 12th September - FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round - Mangotsfield United 3 Wantage Town 0

Mangotsfield United bounced back from last weeks disappointing performance to book a place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup after a comfortable victory over Hellenic League Premier Division Wantage Town. An encouraging first half saw Mangotsfield open up a two goal lead through a Mike Trought double as the previously unbeaten visitors were outplayed for long periods. A third goal midway through a more evenly contested second half from substitute Luke Prosser confirmed Mangotsfield's safe passage into the next round.

What was to prove to be a rare chance for the visitors came with four minutes played when a deep cross from the right touchline was met at the back post by Sam Belcher who failed to find the target when sending a looping header harmlessly over the bar.

After the early scare Mangotsfield took the lead on nine minutes through central defender Mike Trought. The goal came from a corner on the right which was cleared back to Jason Wood whose low cross to the near post was met by Trought who applied the finish from inside the six yard box.

The lead was extended on seventeen minutes and once again the goal came from a corner. This time a Jason Wood corner from the left was met at the far post by skipper Scott Hendy whose cushioned header back across goal was headed home by Mike Trought.

A Mangotsfield side which was dominating went close to adding a third goal on the half hour mark when another corner caused problems for the Wantage rearguard as Jason Wood's corner from the right was flicked on and with Martin Paul arriving late at the back post the ball just evaded his outstretched foot.

Mangotsfield were dealt a blow on the stroke of half time when experienced frontman Martin Paul left the field with a hamstring injury which could see the player ruled out for several weeks.

Wantage started the second half on the front foot and went close to narrowing the gap three minutes after the restart when Richard Guy received the ball just inside the penalty area where he wasted little time in drilling in a strike which Tony Court who had been a virtual spectator during the first half parried behind for a corner.

After making a slow start to the half Mangotsfield were denied a third goal by Wantage goalkeeper Darryl Simms who went full length to his right to save from Tom Knighton who met Luke Prosser's cross from wide on the right to direct a header low to Simms' right hand side.

The result was put beyond any doubt on sixty seven minutes when for the third time Wantage failed to deal with a corner, this time a set piece routine saw a corner from the right played short to the unmarked Neil Arndale who drilled in a low cross to the heart of the penalty area where Luke Prosser made the slightest of contacts to guide the ball into the bottom left corner.

During the final ten minutes Darryl Simms twice prevented Mangotsfield from adding further goals. On eighty three minutes Matt Knapman tested Simms with a low drive from distance which was palmed behind for a corner whilst a minute later after a flowing move Tom Knighton saw his shot from the left side of the area blocked by Simms.

Saturday 19th September - The Zamaretto League South & West Division - Uxbridge 2 Mangotsfield United 1

Mangotsfield United's poor start to the league season continued with a third defeat of the new campaign at Uxbridge's Honeycroft ground. With the exception of the early exchanges at the start of each half Mangotsfield lacked shape and creativity with the long ball option being over used. A side missing the services of Lee Collier, Geraint Bater, Martin Paul and Mike Trought went in level at half time after Kyle Tooze's late first half strike cancelled out Uxbridge's opener midway through the half. The decisive goal came with half an hour remaining to earn the hosts a victory which could have been achieved by a wider margin.

After an evenly contested, if uneventful opening twenty minutes Mangotsfield went close after a short corner routine on the right was wasted but after winning back the ball it was worked to the right side of the area to Tom Knighton whose low strike from fourteen yards forced Uxbridge goalkeeper Michael Hawkins into his first notable save of the match as he saved low down to his left.

Uxbridge took the lead in spectacular fashion on twenty six minutes with their first noteworthy attack as Kevin Warner latched onto the ball thirty yards from goal where after opting to take the chance early he drilled the ball past Tony Court and in off the under side of the cross bar.

The home side should have increased their lead eight minutes later after Dave Warner beat Rob Scott to make ground into the left edge of the area where with only Tony Court to beat Warner shot low across the face of goal but wide of the far post.

Mangotsfield were level with four minutes of the first half left to play. A set piece routine just left of central and ten yards outside the penalty area was touched sideways to Jason Wood who curled the ball to the far post where Kyle Tooze arrived unmarked to force the ball home from close range.

In the closing stages of the half Uxbridge twice went close, on forty two minutes a low cross in from the right into the six yard box was lifted over the bar whilst three minutes later a free kick from the right into the six yard box was met by Wayne Carter who should have done better when heading over.

As in the opening minutes of the first half Mangotsfield started the second half brightly but failed to work Michael Watkins in the Uxbridge goal. This was to prove costly as Uxbridge added a second on the hour when Ryan O'Toole received the ball on the left edge of the Mangotsfield penalty area where he embarked on a run from left to right, skipping past two weak challenges before looking up to place the ball past the outstretched arm of Tony Court and into the far right corner.

Minutes later the home side wasted an opportunity to add a third when substitute Lee Tunnell was sent clear down the Mangotsfield right where his pace took him past Ryan Bennett into the penalty area where his low shot was blocked at the near post by the legs of Tony Court.

Mangotsfield's only worthwhile chance of the second half came on seventy six minutes after Rob Scott's long clearance broke to Knighton whose strike from twenty five yards called Michael Watkins into action as he went low to his right to save. 

Despite strikers Luke Prosser and Mitchell Page both being thrown on for the last eleven minutes Mangotsfield never looked like finding a way back into the match as the hosts deservedly took the points.