Mangotsfield finally secure first victory of the campaign

MANGOTSFIELD United gained a first Southern League Division One South win of the season with a 3-1 success against Cinderford Town at Cossham Street.

It’s been a challenging time for former Hallen boss Ray Johnston since he took over a largely youthful squad in the summer.

But Mangotsfield have been competitive in most of their league outings and, after being recently denied victory at Willand Rovers by a last-gasp equaliser, the three points finally came their way on Saturday.

Two goals in the opening 20 minutes, from Andre Freckleton and Wayne Nderemani, paved the way to victory.

Harry Emmett reduced the arrears on 31 minutes, but an 82nd-minute strike from Owen Humphries sealed the win for Mangotsfield.

Paulton Rovers also had three points to celebrate as they won 2-0 at Bideford.

Dave O’Hare’s 63rd-minute penalty gave Paulton the lead, and Will Harvey added a second in the closing stages.

Third-placed Bristol Manor Farm were held to a goalless draw against Lymington at The Creek, with the visitors’ defence holding firm with ten men for the last quarter.

Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist created the game’s first big chance. His through ball played Owen Howe in, but his low shot was well saved byLymington’s Ross Casey.

Casey also saved smartly from a Howe free-kick and then held another low effort from the striker late in the half.

Leigh-Gilchristdragged a shot wide early in the second half, but Farm then had defender Sam Boulton to thank when he cleared a Lymington effort off the line.

Farm played the last half-hour a man up after Lymington’s Harry McGrath caught goalkeeper Ben John’s head with his late boot and, having already been booked, the referee sent him off.

Despite the disadvantage, the visitors had the next big chance, as Craig Stanley’s header was tipped brilliantly on to the crossbar by John.

Manor Farm defender Josh Ford, had scored two in midweek against Plymouth Parkway, nearly stole the headlines again. He swang at the ball following Mike Bryant’s knock down but the connection wasn’t clean and the ball evaded everyone to drop invitingly into the hands of Ross Casey.

The impressive Casey would have one final save to make in the dying embers, Kyle Tooze stepping inside brilliantly but his shot was parried wide.