Non-League Crosbie’s double fires Mangotsfield to Floodlit Cup success
MANGOTSFIELD United’s remarkable turnaround in fortunes was emphasised on Tuesday night with victory in the Hellenic League’s Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup final.
After a difficult first half to the season, which saw Mangotsfield near the foot of the table and undergoing two changes of management, the Cossham Street club now find themselves comfortably in mid-table in the Premier Division and with some cup glory to celebrate.
Following a goalless draw at home to Pershore Town in the first leg, Mangotsfield emerged 2-0 victors from the second leg in Worcestershire.
Jadyn Crosbie broke the deadlock on 36 minutes when he outpaced home defender Matt Nutt and fired a shot past goalkeeper Eddie Cox. In the 70th minute, Crosbie struck again when he beat the offside trap and slotted home.
Mangotsfield’s attentions now turn to tomorrow’s tough test at home to FA Vase semi-finalists Corsham Town.
Cribbs regained top spot from title rivals Malven Town on Wednesday with a 1-0 win in terrible conditions at Longlevens, secured via a 16th-minute strike from Nick Jones.
Victory put Cribbs, who host Royal Wootton Bassett tomorrow, two points ahead of Malvern with a game in hand.
Reflecting on Wednesday’s win, Cribbs boss Richard Luffman said on YouTube: “We looked at this one as a proper tough game. They are well organised, use the ball ever so well, and got some really good footballers who play between the thirds.
“It was a really tricky game, tough conditions, but I thought the result was right. We scored a great goal from Nick Jones, whose coming into a purple patch of form. Him and Dave Duru were a constant threat.
“We go on to what will be another really tough game on Saturday against Wootton Bassett.”
Fifth-placed Roman Glass St George will go into tomorrow’s home game against relegationthreatened Bradford Town in great spirits after winning their GFA Challenge trophy semi-final against fellow Oaklands Park tenants FC Bristol on Wednesday night.
It was 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, with Josh Williams and Rhys Sarson on target for Roman Glass, while Sacha Tong scored both FC Bristol goals. Roman Glass won 4-3 on penalties, thanks to successful spot-kicks from Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist, Mike Bryant, Loui Ward and Shacquille Smith and two penalty saves from Seth Locke.
Relegation battlers Chipping Sodbury Town host Wantage Town tomorrow, and Thornbury Town host Shrivenham.
In the Toolstation League, Brislington’s hopes of a double remain alive after Lee Perks’ side edged out Premier Division strugglers Keynsham Town at Ironmould Lane on Tuesday night.
Brislington moved into the semifinals of the Les Phillips Cup by beating Ks 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, George Dorrington was the hero with three saves in the shootout, and Bris will now play Shepton Mallet in the semi-finals.
Brislington are favourites to win the First Division title on the back of an 18-game winning streak, but face possibly their biggest challenge to date tomorrow with a trip to second-placed Wells City.
Keynsham, who moved off the foot of the Premier Division with victory against Ilfracombe last weekend, face a tough challenge at third-placed Bridgwater United tomorrow. Cadbury Heath, now at the foot of the table, host Torpoint Athletic.
In Southern League Division One South, Bristol Manor Farm will be looking to build on last Saturday’s crucial 3-2 win against Cinderford Town in their bid to avoid the drop.
Victory put Manor Farm three points clear of danger and next up is a home test against a Lymington Town side sitting three places and five points above them in the table, but having played a game more.
Manor Farm boss Lee Lashenko said on Twitter: “Saturday was a ‘win at all costs’ game because we know that as with all the throat cutters - it’s all about winning at this stage.
“Lymington are a side definitely on the up. Their form shows that they are full of confidence, and we need to match that confidence if we are to take three points.”
Mid-table Paulton Rovers host Wimborne Town tomorrow, having booked a place in the final of the Somerset Premier Cup thanks to a 1-0 win at Bridgwater United on Tuesday night. Jack Fillingham scored the goal in the 67th minute when he finished off a low cross from the right by Martin Lenihan.
Paulton will take on Bath City 2-1 conquerors of Frome Town - in the final at Weston-super-Mare’s Optima Stadium on Tuesday, May 2.
Weston will be looking to take another step towards clinching the Premier South title at North Leigh tomorrow, while Yate Town, now at the foot of the tabe, desperately need three points from a home game against Bracknell Town.