Mangotsfield took the honours, despite Paulton having the best of the second half, with a scrappy first half seeing Mangotsfield take a 25th minute lead though Lewis Powell.
Ben Withey had a chance for the visitors after eleven minutes with keeper, George Button, holding easily. Rovers’ first chance saw Reeko Best test Steve Phillips, returning to the club where he began the road to a long career in the professional game.
Powell should have added to the score on the half hour, fluffing his shot. Kailan Gould broke through, foiled by Mangotsfield’s skipper, Scott Brice, as Paulton pressed.
From the start, Rovers looked to level. Josh Ford headed wide but Mangotsfield’s Monnele turned, with Burton covering well.
On the hour, Paulton hit the post as Ryan Radford played in Gould, who thundered his shot against the post with Phillips beaten. Gould then hit a free kick which Brice misheaded to bring a superb save from Phillips.
Mangotsfield made it 2–0 on 79 minutes as Mitch Tippens sent Monelle down the right wing and his low cross was turned home by Powell.
Man of the Match: Liam Monelle (Mangotsfield United)
As The Journal went to press on Tuesday evening this week, the First Team were away to Keynsham Town in the Somerset Premier Cup Quarter-Final.
This Saturday, they travel to Salisbury, kick-off at 3 p.m. The hosts are managed by radio and TV pundit and former Premier league player, Steve Claridge.
Next Tuesday, 28th February, Barnstaple Town visit Winterfield Road, kick-off at 3 p.m.
The Youth team host Bitton this Thursday, 23rd February, kick-off at 7.30 p.m. then next Monday are away to Keynsham Town, kick-off at 7.45 p.m.
The Sunday XI drew 1–1 with the Pig and Fiddle side last Sunday and this weekend host Odd Down, kick-off at 10.30 a.m.
Tony Walsh