Mangotsfield Utd 2 Paulton Rovers 4

The heavy, uneven pitch at Mangotsfield had a big influence on the course of this game. It made passing uncertain and control of the ball difficult, leading to an intense battle which was often scrappy and error strewn.

United had forced two early corners with Kye Simpson and Wayne Nderemani causing problems for the Paulton defenders before Ed Butcher had a cross shot saved by Jakob Glover in the home goal. But after eleven minutes, a scramble in the Paulton goalmouth saw Simpson force the ball home to give Mangotsfield the lead.

Only a minute had passed before Leighton Thomas, unmarked, headed Butcher’s corner powerfully into the net to equalise.

Mangotsfield then had a period of pressure and the Rovers defenders were guilty of ball watching as the dangerous Simpson blazed over the bar and Aaron Sainsbury saved a fierce free kick from Joe Cattermole.

However, as half-time approached, Paulton started to gain some control, with George Fowler and Leo Eglin working hard to win the ball in midfield. Ed Butcher’s forward runs were drawing fouls from the Mangos defenders and from one of his free kicks, Leighton Thomas headed Rovers in front.

Paulton continued to press forward in the second half and O’Hare’s goalbound effort was saved by the feet of the home keeper. Mangotsfield had chances of their own though and Simpson was caught offside a number of times as Paulton’s defenders stayed alert.

In the sixty-fifth minute, a terrific pass from defence by Neil Martin sent Butcher away, but he was predictably brought down and Leighton Thomas confidently converted the penalty for his third goal to put Rovers 3 – 1 in front.

Just three minutes later, winger Adam Kelly was fouled in the penalty area and Thomas, in his inimitable style, scored a fourth for Rovers from the spot.

With the game seemingly won, Paulton lost some intensity and allowed Mangotsfield back into the contest.

It was no surprise, then when McBeam played a fine pass to Simpson who smashed the ball past Sainsbury to give United a second goal.

Paulton managed to hang on for a deserved win against determined and persistent opponents on a tricky and unpredictable surface.

This was a real team effort and although the record books will show Leighton Thomas with four, this victory was only possible due to battling performances from the whole Paulton squad.

Man of the Match: Leighton Thomas – a terrific all round attacking display.

Noel Avis