Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West

Mangotsfield United 3 Slimbridge 0

CLINCIAL first half finishing proved the difference between the two sides at Cosham Street, with Slimbridge always facing an uphill battle after going three goals down in the first half hour.

Mangoes took the lead as early as the fifth minute, when Matt Groves’ cross was headed home by Ryan Bath to open the scoring.

Slimbridge were forced into an early reshuffle when Sean Lawson went off injured after 15 minutes, and after Jack Twyman had gone close with a header, the hosts doubled their advantage on 23 minutes, when Lewis Powell was allowed too much space in the box and his neat turn and shot beat Adrian Kowalski.

Five minutes later, Powell struck again after good work from Kerry Morgan to notch the third of the night.

Slimbridge went close just before the break when Lee Smith just failed to reach Johnny Cant's dangerous cross, and Powell missed the opportunity for his hat trick when he headed over from a couple of yards out just before the half.

The second period was a lot more even, although Rich Thwaite was responsible for some sterling defending early on to deny Mangoes another goal, and another Cant cross saw Marley Thomas just inches away from connecting at the other end.

Thomas brought a good save from Mangoes Keeper Shaun Semmens after good work from Adam Mace, and Liam Monelle had the best of the chances for the hosts, slipping his shot wide of the post when through on goal.

There was late drama as Powell was dismissed by referee Steve Oakey for an elbow on Rich Thwaite, but Mangotsfield end up comfortable winners.

Team: Kowalski, Ryan Thwaite, Mace, Oliver, Rich Thwaite, Twyman, Thomas (Martin 59), Haskayne, Lawson (Turner 15), Smith, Cant (Green 60) Supporters Man of the Match: Mike Oliver